Designing the Future: The Power of Visual Designers

As visual designers, we know that our work goes beyond creating aesthetically pleasing designs. We strive to create experiences that inspire and engage users. But did you know that our designs can also shape the brain's future response to what it sees? A recent study published in Nature suggests that daydreams may play a crucial role in this process.

This concept is not new, of course. Music has been shown to have deep biological roots, offering an evolutionary advantage to our species. In fact, studies have revealed that keeping promises can lead to more promising outcomes, as explored in the Harvard Business Review's upcoming issue.

In the field of visual design, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Poh Yun Ru, a designer at the National University of Singapore's Design Incubation Center, has developed Rewind, a system that uses visual aids and sensory cues to help dementia patients relearn everyday tasks.

Meanwhile, designer Matthew Butterick is leading the charge in holding AI accountable for its actions. His work serves as an inspiration to us all, showing what can be achieved with determination and dedication.

As designers, we often find ourselves at the intersection of art and technology. Adobe's recent decision to abandon its deal to acquire cloud-based design platform Figma due to antitrust regulators' concerns is a prime example of this dynamic.

The world of visual design is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques emerging all the time. In February, the Jüdisches Museum in Berlin will host an exhibition featuring the work of Curt Bloch, a designer who created satirical poetry magazines during World War II.

In other news, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has announced plans to fight election misinformation. The New York Times' year-in-pictures feature is a testament to the power of visual storytelling.

Finally, architect Michael Huston has spoken out about the importance of simplicity in design, noting that contemporary architecture often prioritizes complexity over functionality. A diverse commission recently chose a new design for their state's capitol building, one that pays homage to its history and is more inclusive.

The world of healthcare is also recognizing the value of human-centered design approaches, which have been shown to reduce healthcare costs significantly. Lisa Strausfeld has written extensively on the topic of System and its edge.

As visual designers in Los Angeles, we are uniquely positioned to make a difference in these areas and many others. Whether it's creating experiences that inspire or fighting for social justice, our work has the power to shape the world around us.

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