I, C, C, and C

The question I get the most is "what is information design and technology?" To which I answer differently each time. To some, design is what they understand and to others, technology is what they understand. But what is it combined? I find that many of my family members do not even understand that there are careers built upon designing information. You can design information graphically or content-based. However the simple connection of design and content do not encapsulate IDandT totally. To really understand IDandT, one must also have a grasp on emerging technologies, concepts, and theories that are ever-evolving. And they must also understand and be willing to adapt to change. All the time. Without it, IDandT wouldn't be what it is. And it wouldn't be so important.

One technology that proves this point is Google Wave. I've put a lot of thought into it lately. I'm not sure I understand how it solves a collaboration problem. What I do understand about it is that it provides instant communications as they occur. For example: RSS feeds, breaking news, and other up-to-date news and information portals/sites provide to-the-minute information. However, it's not truly real-time. A true real-time platform is one where you can see the author as they are completing the work. This also allows an opportunity to study and analyze how the mind of an information designer may work. Although Wave may seem good in theory, I'm not quite bought into the idea that it is the next big technology. People like their information up-to-date and late-breaking, but instantaneous communication as its occurring is unforgiving. And I'm not sure if I want the world to follow my every backspace, Ctrl+Z, and misspelling as they occur.

What I am sure of is that the world and technology is changing in every moment that passes. I've asked myself many times, what would I like to do when I graduate with my IDandT degree? The information world is mine to conquer. And I always conclude with the same answer. As long as it involves the following things, I will be happy.

Information, Creativity, Change, and Challenge.