Dror speaks at C2 Montreal, May 26, 2017

Summary

In this inspiring talk, designer and futurist Drawer Ben challenges the audience to change their perspective on creativity and problem-solving. He emphasizes the importance of passion, a comprehensive approach, collaboration, and experimentation, sharing projects that embody these principles. From transforming Central Park to reimagining luggage, Ben's work illustrates how rethinking design can lead to innovative solutions that resonate with people and inspire a cosmic perspective on our impact on the world.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The speaker, Drawer Ben, emphasizes the importance of broadening our perspective to solve problems with heart and creativity, not just with logic and intellect.
• 🎨 Creativity and beauty are presented as powerful tools to address the world's most significant challenges, with the belief that design and art can inspire change.
• 🤝 The value of meaningful connections is highlighted, suggesting that our relationships with products, interiors, buildings, and people should be more profound and impactful.
• 🏺 The concept of embracing imperfection and the beauty of experience is introduced, as seen in the 'broken vase' project, which became Rosenthal's bestseller.
• 🌳 The idea of creating a love relationship between nature and people is discussed, with the example of designing a park in Istanbul that encourages a connection with nature.
• 🪑 The 'Peacock Chair' project illustrates how design can address personal challenges and vulnerabilities, using three sheets of felt to create a strong, embracing piece of furniture.
• 🌐 The importance of a comprehensive approach in design is stressed, transcending specialization to integrate various disciplines and solve broader challenges.
• 🛍️ The transformative potential of luggage is explored, with Tumi's project aiming to create adaptable, transformable luggage that meets diverse travel needs.
• 🏘️ The architectural project in Cart Blanche demonstrates the power of innovative design in real estate, where hiding architecture under a 'carpet of vegetation' led to a significant sales success.
• 🔬 The necessity of investing in small experiments is underscored, as they can lead to significant discoveries and changes, as seen with the development of the 'Quadr' geometry for Swarovski.
• 🌕 The final takeaway is about gaining a cosmic perspective to change our understanding of hope and our place in the universe, with the 'Lunar Dust' art installation aiming to replicate the astronauts' experience.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the speaker's presentation?

The central theme of the presentation is about changing perspective to solve problems with heart and creativity, and how this approach can be applied to various projects, from product design to urban planning.

What does the speaker believe is the key to solving the world's most important challenges?

The speaker believes that creativity and beauty, along with a comprehensive approach to design, are key to solving the world's most important challenges.

What is the significance of the broken vase project in the speaker's career?

The broken vase project was significant as it was the speaker's first project in New York and it made them realize the importance of shaping the future through experiences and embracing challenges.

How did the speaker approach the design of Central Park in Istanbul?

The speaker approached the design by creating an environment that initially looks like an urban grid but gradually transforms into places where people can experience nature in different ways, fostering a love relationship between nature and people.

What was the unique solution the speaker proposed for the cruise ship terminal project?

The unique solution proposed was to make the entire cruise ship terminal disappear by placing it completely below sea level, thus opening up the entire neighborhood to the public and pedestrian use.

What is the importance of the 'comprehensive approach' in the speaker's design philosophy?

The comprehensive approach is important because it allows the speaker to not limit creativity to a specific specialty, enabling them to solve complex problems by integrating knowledge and ideas from different disciplines.

How did the speaker's design for Tumi luggage lead to a change in the company's product line?

The speaker's design led to the realization that reducing the weight of the luggage was less important than creating a collection that adapts to different needs, resulting in transformable luggage that can change its form and function.

What was the outcome of the experiment with Tumi's retail stores?

The experiment, which involved reducing the number of SKUs and focusing on the best-selling products, resulted in a 60% increase in average sales across the three stores.

What is the 'quadr' geometry and how did it originate?

The 'quadr' geometry is a new structural system made out of four identical L-shaped members, which originated from a small commission for Swarovski and has the potential to be used in various applications due to its strength and adaptability.

What is the goal of the lunar dust terrain art installation project?

The goal of the project is to provide an experience that allows people to gain a broader perspective and look back at Earth from the moon's viewpoint, potentially changing their outlook on life and their relationship with the planet.

What is the speaker's final point on changing perspective and how does it relate to the overall message of the presentation?

The final point on changing perspective is about gaining respect for the planet, communities, and the way we consume products. It relates to the overall message by emphasizing the importance of a broader perspective in creating meaningful and sustainable solutions.