Summary
In this inspiring session, speakers explore how individuals, teams, and organizations can find opportunities in the face of crisis, particularly in the context of the pandemic. Brendan Jarvis shares his experiences with remote collaboration tools, emphasizing the need for thoughtful user experience designs. Amy Stewart emphasizes the potential for crises to empower global communities and promote equity, while stories from retail executives reveal rapid adaptations made by companies during the pandemic. Nicole Office also discusses how design education can pivot effectively in difficult times, drawing on IBM's successful transition from in-person to online programs. The session aims to inspire confidence that we can navigate challenges creatively and effectively, reinforcing the idea that crisis can be a catalyst for innovation.
Key Insights
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Crises present either loss or opportunity, depending on our perspective.
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Designers have a role as first responders in real physical disasters.
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Global crises can empower local communities and promote equity among practitioners.
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Retail workers became digital frontline workers, adapting quickly to new challenges.
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Case studies illustrate successful pivots made by organizations during the pandemic.
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Education programs can and must pivot to adapt to new realities and needs.
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Thoughtful design can lead to meaningful growth for both individuals and businesses during crises.
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Finding hope and inspiration in challenging times is essential for innovation.
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The ability to respond and adapt is crucial in times of uncertainty.
Notable Quotes
"When the pandemic struck, what did you see?"
"I’ve been designing remote collaboration tools since 2006, and I finally saw my work become essential."
"When a crisis happened, we have a choice."
"We can see loss, or we can see opportunity."
"Designers can be first responders, and we should be."
"The pandemic showed us that our colleagues in retail became digital frontline workers."
"Our biggest hope is that today will give you confidence that the answer to the question, 'Can we?' is always yes, we can."
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