Fisher on design
Is the economy based on information or design? In an interview with the Star Tribune, Thomas Fisher, College of Design dean at the U of M argues it's all about design, baby. "The idea of the design economy is that ... we have to compete on the basis of innovation, creativity and imagination, which takes you to design." The University of Minnesota recently merged its architecture and design schools into a single, new department headed by Fischer. In the winter issue of M, Fisher publishes his thoughts on why the university merged two previously separate departments and the future of design. An excerpt: "Though design is generally thought of as a way to make things look good and work better, more and more it is being recognized as a way to improve lives and make the world a healthier place."