At the Build conference in November, accomplished designer Wilson Miner, currently head of design for Rdio, opened his presentation by disclosing his sometimes shared cynicism of his career of designing for the web.
“I have often said in moments of frustration, it’s just a website,” Miner says, “it’s not going change the world, just get over it. But I do think … this is a uniquely exciting time to be designing interfaces and interactive digital tools and products.”
Over the next 40 minutes, Miner shares his recent findings that have resulted in a change of viewpoint for him. His talk begins with a reflection of his childhood fascination over his father’s car and ends with his admiration for the daring feats of an artist.
At the 17-minute mark, he delivers a one and half minute reflection synced with a video that beautifully sums up his presentation:
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The car shaped our environment in the 20th century in this huge, tectonic way. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the screen will be as important to shaping our environment in the 21st century. What goes on those screens is pretty important. Because the things that we chose to surround ourselves, will shape what we become. We’re not just making pretty interfaces, we’re actually in the process of building an environment where we’ll spend most of our time for the rest of our lives. We’re the designers. We’re the builders. What do we want that environment to feel like? What do we want to feel like?
If your work involves or revolves around the web, I encourage you to find 40 minutes to watch Miner’s presentation, you won’t regret it.
Hat tip to Derek Jensen and Michael Ferrari.
Credits: Video from Build conference on Vimeo.
