In almost every sense, being connected is the norm in the late 20th century. For the business of design, this means that effectively managing the interface among individuals, groups, and technologies is a fundamental challenge. In this issue, contributors explore the optimization of interfaces among people in the design of teams, the sharing of leadership, and the development of relationships with consultants. Some offer new approaches to communications, one considers how the interface among technologies will reshape product design, and another suggests a way to address interdisciplinary concerns in the classroom.

Articles

A Management Perspective on Mixed Media and the Art of Optimizing the Interface 

Thomas Walton

The Delicate Art of Designing Interdisciplinary Teams
Anne Donnellon and Joshua Margolis

A Virtual Design Studio: Today’s Opportunity for Effective Electronic Creativity
Eugene Sulek

“Outside-In” Design: Delivering Real Value to the Customer
Hans Bergman and Tom Winlow

4D Design: Interaction Among Disciplines at a New Design Frontier
Alec Robertson

Towards the Design Era: The Evolution of the Designer as Functional Interface with Marketing and Engineering
Seth R. Ellis

Innovation and Chaos
Tom Hardy

The Objectives Matrix: A Practitioner’s Perspective
Christopher E. Olstead,  Ralph S. Kurland, and James T. Jackson, Jr.

 

Information Communication Technology Redefines Design Management

Mary Jennings

A Square Peg in a Round Hole? Integrating a Design Consultant into a Textile/Clothing Company
Victor Herbert

 

Concurrent Product Development and Industrial Design Education: An Experiment

Jacques Giard and George Lee