Why on earth is this fellow driving on the highway with a metal helmet blocking his view? Why is mythology important to the launch of the world’s least expensive car? What do consumers mean by “green” behavior? What do different family members want from their computers, and how do neighborhoods use private computer networks? Why does design thinking drive everything from retail store experiences to new products to social networking?

These topics were just a fraction of the insights in the Design Innovation and Research Conference organized November 15 by Alladi Venkatesh, Lynda Lawrence and Raymond Pirouz of the Paul Merage School of Business, co-sponsored by the Design Alliance and CRITO.

Gathering experts from the U.K., India, and all over the U.S., the conference offered the latest research, design publications, ethnography, semiotics, and business case studies to reflect the importance of integrated design from the consumer, designer and business perspectives. In a world where innovation is key to success, design thinking is increasing vital in every aspect of life and business.

For more information and complete presentations: Design Innovation & Research Conference