Posted by Derek Nicoll on January 26, 1999 at 17:54:31:
Why make things Smart? - The University of Edinburgh School of Management - 12th March
Depending on which industry sector an entrepreneur is coming from there are many answers to this question. In some cases it may be to extend a product line. In others it is to enable disabled people the quality of function afforded to the able-bodied. In others still, it is an answer to simplifying the operation of complex technology, or to enable new levels of self-awareness of body function and regulation.
The technology and techniques of making things smart also vary. It may be the inclusion of smart material, such as window glass that tints dependent on the position of the sun; or smart electronics included into familiar products such as the 'intelligent' microwave which ensures that frozen food is cooked thoroughly. Sometimes 'smart' products have the aim of extending or even simplifying the complex functionality of things, such as auto-focus on cameras providing the novice photographer with professional results. Regardless of the technical approach taken, there must be some understanding of how people will interact with the product. Designers and developers must understand how to develop or appropriate the right technical and human knowledge to inform their innovations.
In collaboration with the Design Council, a team based at The University of Edinburgh is currently engaged in researching this area. The seminar/ workshop will include a presentation of the research findings, which will augment several case examples presented by firms who are already taking up the challenge of making things smart. Together these presentations will provide an overview of the salient issues arising from smart product development processes.
The structure of the event is aimed at providing delegates with considerable opportunity to discuss their own conceptions of how 'smartness' may enhance products populating homes and offices of the next millennium. We are expecting a select audience of around 50 delegates. They will at executive level, and also representing firms and individuals tackling smart design head-on in their everyday work or part of their overall innovation strategy - either as extensions to their existing product range, or as entirely new products. They will share an interest in the exploitation of new technologies, management and best practice, the place and relevance of user-consumer research and focus, and issues of regulation and standardisation. In collaboration with the Design Council the intention is to publish a book from the event. This will crystallise contributions from speakers and delegates, consolidating them as representative of an exciting and emerging field within product development. As such the event may be viewed as a landmark in this emerging and distinctive area of product innovation.
The cost of the event is at the subsidised rate of £100 +VAT for the day, and includes lunch and coffee.
There is a tentative web site dedicated to the event which can be found at:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/~ejuv19/design/smart/index2.html
Registration may handled done on-line or by phoning or faxing :- Joan MacMillan, TechMaPP, The University of Edinburgh Management School, 7 Bristo Square tel: 0131 650 4066 fax: 0131 650 8077
yours sincerely,
Derek Nicoll
Research Fellow and event organiser
TechMaPP is the event organiser. A unit based within The University of Edinburgh Management School, TechMaPP is an integrated programme of research, consultancy and education. It builds on
distinctive conceptual foundations and addresses technological and industrial issues of particular relevance to Scotland, the UK and Europe. TechMaPP aims to deepen current understandings of
technology development and innovation and to mobilise these to inform policy and strategic thinking. The transformation of social-science ideas into useful policy instruments is central to TechMaPP.
Further details - http://omni.bus.ed.ac.uk/TechMaPP/
The Design Council is the UK's national authority on design, working with partners in business, education and government to promote its most effective use.
Further details - http://www.design-council.org.uk/home/