Ludwig and Nussbaum talk about the rise of GEN Y by Adrian Chernoff

Posted by guest contributor on October 15, 2008

Design is moving forward and has a new focus. It’s not a singular view of the world, but rather megapluristic views. This not only typifies a change in research, but also how GEN Y will be integrated into the fold.

Recent research is showing due to the economic meltdown is that if you thought you were done working; now add 10 years to your workline timeline. This makes it interesting for design where four generations will work together in the same space. The issue that seems to occur over and over with GEN Y’s is that they bring a fresh perspective in wanting to move forward vs. looking back.

GEN Y’s are technologically savvy.

Things that motivate GEN Y’s are a need to be plugged into the best right now. They demand the latest and best tools along with an interactive environment. They want to work together, vs independently as GEN X. And GEN Y works in an office space differently. They kick back more in their chairs and are better at flow shifting. They can on and let go and integrate the new learning’s by begin effective in shorter compartments of time. This differs from holding on very dearly from a transition from segments to fluidic transition.

James Ludwig, Vice President of Global Design, Steelcase Inc.
Bruce Nussbaum, Design and Innovation advocate

TAKE AWAY
Design is entering a new fold. Designers now have to account for a multi-generational world. The segmentation of needs will impact the products of the future. The insights, principals, and research will manifest into expression through new tools for connectivity. Leverage GEN Y will help keep an organization current, but furthermore create more dialogue by looking at things from another perspective. In the end it empowers better tools through system thinking and synthesis of ideas, needs, and solutions.

By guest blogger, Adrian Chernoff http://www.adrianchernoff.com, an innovation expert at Ideation Genesis. http://www.2idg.com