What did you like best about the event? How could we ... · - I like how we were able to visit a...
Transcript of What did you like best about the event? How could we ... · - I like how we were able to visit a...
Interior Design from A-Z Panel, Tuesday, October 14th 6:00-7:30pm, 8 Total Responses
Rate your experience 1-5: [Program content/relevant to my needs and interests] 5: Five people 4: Three people Rate your experience 1-5: [Selection of panelists] 5: Seven people 4: One person Rate your experience 1-5: [Room location (Rapson Hall)] 5: Five people 2: Two people 1: One person This is a good time during the semester for the event. Yes: 6 Indifferent: 1 No: 1 This is a good time of the day for such an event. Yes: 7 No: 1 I would participate in a future event of this type. Yes: 8 What did you like best about the event? - It was a wide range of interior designers - I like the casual setting which fostered great conversation. - Question & Answer - I loved the Q&A. - food was great! - I enjoyed how there was a wide range of interior design professionals from both large and small firms as well as different areas in the field (residential, healthcare, commercial). - I liked the question and answer section, it allowed the panelists to talk more freely about their careers. How could we improve this event? - Have it earlier in the day - Bigger room - I think letting everyone know about the event a week or so earlier would have been helpful. - better seating... it was too small and harder to hear - I would have enjoyed to see more pictures from the designers bodies of work. - Maybe have the panelists talk more about the projects that they have worked on, not just one main one, to show the different types of projects a designer can work on. Please suggest other event topics you would like to see: - Speed Networking event - A collaborative event with interior design and architecture professionals. - I would love to have an event that focuses in on residential interior design. - Time management for work in design school.
“The Tents” Apparel Movie Night, Thursday, October 23rd 5:30-7:30pm, 9 Total Responses
What did you like best about the event?
- Seeing the high fashion designs and getting a look behind the process
- I liked that the event provided us with the opportunity to see a documentary I had never heard of, but really enjoyed, for free. The film was a good choice for students in the design school. I liked that you provided popcorn, because I was running from a class to the event and didn't have time to grab dinner beforehand.
- I enjoyed getting to talk/hear from someone in the field/has a close connection to the content of the film.
- The film!
- Watching the movie and then talking to the U of M graduate working as a pattern maker was really interesting to learn about!
- The opportunity to speak with and ask questions to someone who works in the field.
- Kayna speaking about her experiences.
- Other people interested in the same thing all coming together
How could we improve this event?
- I don't think the event needed improving.
- Smaller venue?
- Have refillable/unlimited popcorn and soda!
- Publicize the event more. I heard about this event from the sidebar of an email. It was not very noticeable.
Please suggest other films we could use for next year or other event topics you would like to see:
-James Belzer's new film: "Make it in America" -The September Issue -Bill Cunningham New York -Valentino: The Last Emperor -Mademoiselle C -Dianna Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel -Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's -Maybe even some feature films with classic costumes that really represent specific eras, like: To Catch a Thief, Gone With the Wind, My Fair Lady, Clueless. Or a double-feature to compare/contrast the styles in the 1970s The Great Gatsby and the new version with Leo DiCaprio.
- Keep the same theme!
- Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel (2011) Coco Before Chanel (2009) Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s (2013) In Vogue: The Editor’s Eye (2012) The September Issue (2009) Bill Cunningham New York (2010) Dior et Moi (2014) Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008)
- Unzipped (Isaac Mizrahi)
Additional Comments:
- Great event! - It was a fun event and a great opportunity to learn about the field with others that have similar interests. I would definitely be interested in attending future events similar to this one. Rate your experience 1-5 [5=Excellent, 1=Poor]: Selection of film 5: Eight People 4: One Person Opportunity for discussion 5: Five People 4: Three people 3: One person Rate: Yes, Indifferent/Maybe, or No This is a good time during the semester for the event. Yes: 6 Indifferent: 3 This is a good time of the day for such an event. Yes: 7 Indifferent: 1 No: 1 The event was well publicized. Yes: 3 Indifferent: 4 No: 1 I would participate in a future event of this type. Yes: 8 Maybe: 1
Landscape Arch. Firm Crawl, October 24th 9:00am-1:00pm, 9 Total Responses
What did you like best about the tour? - It was great to see a variety of firms so I don't feel as though I need to have one specific set of skills to find a job. - I enjoyed the variety of firms we got to see. - It was very efficient and the diversity of employers was impressive. The logistics and the presentations were excellently planned and executed. - I like how we were able to visit a wide range of places. Also, I liked being able to walk through the workplace like at Cuningham and Oslund. - I liked the variety of the firms that were selected and I especially liked being able to see the whole space of the firms even if they were smaller. - Was an exceptional tour. Thanks for providing the opportunity! What could we improve for future tours? -I would have liked to have a little more time at some if the firms. Maybe make sure each passenger knows exactly how long they will have to speak to us so we have time for questions and looking at the firm - Allow more time for students to network with the professionals at the firms visited. - Ask faculty for big project deadline dates prior to planning the event -- sad that the group was so small with so many last minute no shows. - Possibly allot more times for questions at the end of each tour. Schedule the crawl not near any school deadlines if possible - I know it's hard to lengthen the time at each firm without making it a whole day thing but it did feel rushed at times. Maybe do four next time so that there's 5 minutes for questions or walking around at the end. - The tour felt a bit rushed. We could have used more time. Please suggest future sites or event topics: - Nursery with design/build - I am in the Arch BS program, minoring in Landscape, and I would love to see a firm crawl that focuses on architecture firms! Rate your experience 1-5 [5=Excellent, 1=Poor]: Sites selected 5: Four people 4: Two people Transportation 5: Four people 4: Two people Time/Day selection 5: Five people 4: One person Length of tour 5: Three people 4: Two people 3: One person
Retail Merchandising Internship Panel 11/7/14 12:30 PM ‐ 2:00 PM (5 responses)
What did you like best about the event? ‐Getting helpful information about internships and where to find them. ‐Great event. ‐Liked the questions you asked the panel before the networking event. ‐I like how we were able to ask the interns questions in small groups. ‐How we were able to talk one on one with the interns and ask questions based on their actual experiences and how to get involved. How could we improve this event? -Advertise a little more -Have more organized way for the interns to give a brief discription of their internship and what all they did. Please suggest other event topics you would like to see: -Information about types of jobs you can get with a retail merchandising degree Rate your experience 1-5 [5=Excellent, 1=Poor]: Program content—relevant to my needs 5: 5 Students Selection of interns 5: 5 Students Opportunity to talk with interns 5: 5 Students Rate: Yes, Indifferent/Maybe, or No This is a good time during the semester for the event. Yes: 3 Students Indifferent: 2 Students This is a good time of the day for such an event. Yes: 5 Students The event was well publicized. Yes: 3 Students Indifferent: 2 Students I would participate in a future event of this type. Yes: 5 Students
Graphic Design Internship Panel Thursday, November 6th 6:30‐7:30 pm
(8 responses)
Rate your experience 1-5 [5=Excellent, 1=Poor]: Program content—relevant to my needs 5: Five people 4: Three people Selection of professionals 5: Five people 4: Three people Opportunity to discuss with industry professionals 5: Three people 4: Four people 3: One person Rate: Yes, Indifferent/Maybe, or No This is a good time during the semester for the event. Yes: 7 people No: 1 person This is a good time of the day for such an event. Yes: 8 people The event was well publicized. Yes: 5 people Indifferent: 3 people I would participate in a future event of this type. Yes: 8 people What did you like best about the event?
‐The variety of professionals, as to where they work, what they do, and how long they've been in the field ‐It gave me a good idea for what to work for, and gave me affirmation on things that I was already doing. ‐I loved the variety of panelists that were present and I thought the questions covered a good range of topics and were well‐facilitated. ‐I really like how chill the panel was. They weren't so uptight which made me in return feel much more comfortable. ‐Hearing how they found their jobs and what they did to get there.
How could we improve this event? ‐Perhaps have the guests prepare resource recommendations that they can easily give to those attending. ‐I thought it was very well organized. Maybe you guys could work on getting more of a variety of people. For instance I am a graphic design major but I would really like to get into the fashion magazine business. I want to design page layout so to be able to hear from someone in that industry would have been really cool. I did very much enjoy the panel though!! ‐N/A Please suggest other event topics or studios/companies you would like to see: ‐Gaming design, book design, and album design. ‐How to get internships that are part time/full time that can lead to job opportunities
Dirty Laundry
November 20, 2014 ‐ Best Buy Theater, Northrop
Rate your experience 1-5 [5=Excellent, 1=Poor]:
Timing of event Average: 4.54
Location/Venue Average: 4.71
What did you like about the event?
The optimism of the speakers
"I loved the venue and I thought the speakers were very dynamic and really spoke to the title of the event
and did ""air the dirty laundry"" so to speak. Plus, Ben isn't bad to look at, so added bonus there."
It was very interesting to hear about the unique paths each presenter took to get to their current
occupation.
Really engaging speakers, great venue, good length of presentation
Friend that works at the U of M
Entertaining and exciting, not too long
Great speakers, on topic, well spoken, informative. Better than last year.
Venue was good. Personal and close up to speakers.
I think it was a great selection of different "industry" members. Both displayed a unique creative
background(s) while also sharing their entrepreneurial insight.
Great diverse range of designers (panel), intimate space and setting, interactive & social
"I liked the fact that both of them were an off‐shoot from the majors of the college. It gives current
students a chance to think with more vision in terms of their direction! And that sometimes things that
seem like a big blow may turn out to be a valuable change in direction. I also enjoyed the contrast in
'types of people'"
The speakers were wonderful. It was fun to see what was happening on Twitter, too.
Usually when professionals talk at events they give stories that highlight how great their jobs are. I find it
really refreshing for the professionals to be honest and talk about the things that have gone wrong so we
can laugh about our stupid mistakes together.
The stories and the way they worked together. Permissions to fail.
The speakers were great! They were both very energetic and fun!
Entertaining speakers, valuable advice and stories
Funny stories
I liked having someone 30 years in the business and one that was just starting; that was super great!
Amazing speakers, I like that we got to ask them questions
The message that the "why" is the most important question to answer for ourselves and that challenges
and mistakes are learning opportunities.
Enjoyed The "warrior" tales from an experienced and not so experienced graduate perspective.
Real world information is useful for students transitioning into the workplace.
I loved how real the stories were. There was little embellishment or glorification of the reality of the
career paths shared.
The energy of the speakers.
A nice shift in perspective away from physical design to broader issues.
The event felt formal which was nice. I do miss it being in the Wesiman, but this is WAY better than STSS. I
also really appreciated that the two speakers were very different (age, profession, etc.)
It was fun getting to hear the stories of local designers in the industry. It was cool getting to hear not only
of their triumphs, but also their failures.
Talking with professionals about the work that they do and the mistakes they had to work through
How could we improve the next Dirty Laundry?
Invite a third speaker and shorten slightly the duration of each.
As this was my first dirty laundry, I thought it was really great!
I would like to hear some "Dirty Laundry" from a practicing architect.
Have drinks and snacks available
Water or soda to buy or free.
"To me, the event could have been a little longer. Or maybe some pre‐presentation social ""half‐hour""
for people that may be running late; while also giving a chance for people to mingle. Although I like the
thought of (2) different speakers, maybe one would be sufficient for the 1hr given timetable.
Creative Thought: have people ask questions through twitter, then they can be read during the questions
portion. This gives a chance for people that have thought of questions early‐on in the presentation to sort
of ""submit"" them at a time when the thought was mustered up! "
"Arrangements seemed fine and in terms of students‐‐‐there probably isn't a perfect time‐‐‐thanks for
having one that was more professional in approach!
I actually expect current students to do more polished presentations‐‐‐but as I thought about it the
contrast was good‐‐‐perhaps there are students that do not identify with the image of a polished
professional?"
Maybe have it in a bigger auditorium so that more people could attend
More speakers, less time per speaker.
As much as I like the well‐lit venue, the seating levels already make the audience feel exposed, with the
lighting also lit on the audience on top of the seating it sort of made me feel intimidated/uncomfortable.
I did not like the location.
Limit the time for the presentation. The first "graduate" rambled on. Probably appealed more to students
and recent grads. I am a "mature" grad who found the experienced presenter's delivery and work
background very professional and polished, as one would expect from years in the field.
It may be helpful to have someone speak about dealing with personalities in the workplace. This is never
covered in coursework, but can be a major concern for students entering the workplace.
Add food and more panel members with a more direct focus on "Dirty Laundry" rather than just bad past
experiences that were overcome.
Moving the time slightly later so there's a little more time for dinner beforehand would be nice.
More presenters, at least 3 would be a good number.
The committee member's (?) didn't seem very prepared to introduce the event and the speakers, didn't
seem well planned.
Who would you like to hear present at the next Dirty Laundry?
An interior designer/architect who maybe created a lousy design or questioned his/her own abilities at
one point.
An Architect
"Someone with an advertising agency background.
Steve Wehrenberg program chair of journalism"
"Megan Tamte of Evereve (formerly Hot Mama)
Someone from Shea (http://sheadesign.com/)"
Continue to have experts in their fields.
"Allan Peters ‐ Target
Kevin Pontuti ‐ UW Stout
Stephan Hartung ‐ Kick
Joe Duffy ‐ Duffy
Capsule ‐ Brian or Aaron
Environmental Designers??
Industrial Designers??
People from MN that have contributed in a large way nationally on certain monumental products. Or
services.
Innovators"
I'll think about it‐‐‐and if I come up with a good one will let you know
A Creative/Art Director from a Twin Cities Ad Agency/Design Firm
A professional working in the fashion industry
Interior designer
Architect or another entrepreneur.
Am open to most anyone....architect, retailing exec., designer, and manufacturer....wish that I could be of
more help!
It was great to hear Ben speak, since he was an architecture student but now is an entrepreneur and
more in product design. I like hearing from those who have done something unexpected with their
degree.
No preference
The economics of design and construction within the larger social framework of a just society.
Dean Fisher
Recent U of M graduates and professionals in the field. Make it more like a conversation between the two
people and reach out to the audience for questions.
Additional Comments
Less vulgarity in the presentations would be nice. You can still engage the audience and incorporate
humor into your presentation without dropping profanity!
Very interesting stories.
Not really, an overall great event. Thank you for hosting.
A very enjoyable evening, thanks you!
I really enjoyed this event, everyone was so humble.
Loved this event and look forward to attending in the future!
Thank you for another great event!
Great event! Learned a lot
Interior Design Adobe Workshop January 31, 2015
10:00am – 4:00pm
10 survey participants Program Status Freshman: 1 participant Sophomore: 4 participant Junior: 2 participant Senior: 2 participant DSAB Member: 1 participant Rate your experience 1-5 [5=Excellent, 1=Poor]: Program content—relevant to my needs 1: one person 2: 3: two people 4: two people 5: five people Selection of software to demonstrate [Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator] 5: five people 4: two people 3: two people 2: one person 1: Quality of presenter knowledge 1: 2: one person 3: 4: six people 5: three people Opportunity to ask questions & discuss 1: 2: one person 3: three people 4: two people 5: four people Rate: Yes, Indifferent/Maybe, or No This is a good time during the semester for the event.
Yes: 10 people No: 0
This is a good time of the day for such an event. Yes: 8 people Indifferent: 2 people No: 0 I would participate in a future event of this type. Yes: 8 people Maybe: 2 people No:
What did you like best about the event?
Being able to actually design or edit and do hands on materials while seeing the tools we could use.
I liked the topics and variety of software.
I liked how each presenter went through each step and explained what they were doing and made sure we understood.
I really liked having the walk through instead of just getting told the information.
The first presenter covered a lot of useful information and the practice was extremely helpful.
The 1st presentation addressed how the software programs work together & demonstrated it.
I liked that I was able to get a quick intro to each software, but feel informed enough that I could keep learning on my own.
Some of the presenters really explained the software well. It really helped me learn how to use them. Most of the time watching the presenters explain parts of the software, I kept thinking I wish I knew this sooner. It was one of those "OHHH" moments that just kept recurring throughout the event.
The talent of the presenters was great! All very professional and organized!
How could we improve this event?
I think some of the times, the instructor went too fast where we couldn't follow along as well. Maybe slow down a bit or ask if we are at that point to continue on. I think it will also be really helpful if there are some written instructions or images of tools that tells what tools are called what so that we are able to see because some of us do not know the names so if we took the time to figure it out, we would already missed the next step.
The food. Wasn't a lot. Qaulity could be a bit better. More options such as dessert or a salad as well. Something warm. The topics covered. Shorter day. Split it up into sessions. Instead of 8 hours, do 4. Second part of the event wasn't as informational. The last presenter wasn't what I thought it would be, wasn't helpful.
Maybe break up the events into two separate events, the 10‐4 was a long time.
I feel that a lot of the material covered on Illustrator was redundant of photoshop. Maybe give more examples of what Illustrator can be used for and how they differ (when to use which).
more practice time‐supplement this intro workshop with individual workshop days for the three adobe programs covered.
Focus primarily on 1 program, or present an opportunity to have a useful product at the end (ie. A beginning of a portfolio).
Both people that presented the InDesign portion moved very quickly and it was extremely hard to keep up. Slowing down a little would help. Even one student who already new the
The lunch hour was a little longer than it probably should have been. Shortening it to just a half hour would have been perfect.
I was totally exhausted by the end of the day. It could run 10‐3. It was a lot of material to take in at one sitting!
Please suggest other topics or programs you would like more experience with:
I think these programs are pretty much the programs I would like to know more of.
Rendering floor plans on Photoshop Sketch up Portfolio examples, tips,what to show
Sketch up
Sketch‐up might be a nice addition. I liked the base of photoshop and InDesign.
InDesign and Sketchup
Opportunities to meet with working professionals to learn about portfolios, work life, etc.
SketchUp
I think for interior designers at least, it would be beneficial to see how to render a floor plan in photoshop. Also, how to photoshop merchandise into an already rendered perspective.
Excellent turn out‐ even though the room was not full, the number of students was perfect. We had a chance to walk around and get to everyone. The lunch was perfect‐ just the right amount of food and variety. They came early to deliver and it was very good.
The rrom was not opened when we arrived and we had to hunt down help‐ so we were delayed starting. I think it would be important for the U of M tech person to be there at the start and ipen uo 15 miuntes early. The internet and connection was slow. But the room was perfect!
Landscape Architecture Portfolio Review Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 6:30pm
Total responses: Two Rate your experience 1-5 [5=Excellent, 1=Poor]: Program content—relevant to my needs 5: One person 4: One person 3: 2: 1: Selection of panelists 5: Two people 4: 3: 2: 1: Opportunity to receive feedback on your work 5: Two people 4: 3: 2: 1: Rate: Yes, Indifferent/Maybe, or No This is a good time during the semester for the event. Yes: Two people No: This is a good time of the day for such an event. Yes: Two people No: This event was well publicized. Yes: Two people No: I would participate in a future event of this type. Yes: Two people No:
What did you like best about the event?
Seeing a successful portfolio by Steven and his presentation
How could we improve this event?
No responses
Please suggest other firms we could invite for next year or other event topics you would like to see:
No responses
Additional Comments:
No responses
Sussner and Colle + McVoy Firm Tour March 6th, 2015
Total Responses: Four people Freshman: One person Sophomore: One person Junior: One person Senior: One person Rate your experience 1-5 [5=Excellent, 1=Poor]: Sites selected 5: three people 4: one person 3: 2: 1: Registration Process 5: four people 4: 3: 2: 1: Time/Day selection 5: four people 4: 3: 2: 1: What did you like best about the tour?
Just being in the creative spaces; seeing how those spaces are used, and the similar/different ways the design process is utilized Talking with the creatives was amazing, as well
The visit to Sussner was great! They knew exactly how to work with our group when we got there and left it open to questions for them.
Talking to the people there about their personal experience and seeing the kind of work they do.
It was really great to see the differences in the two firms, and to get a feel of what it's like to be in one.
What could we improve for future tours?
Have a 30 minute lunch break? Or just provide some snacks
Colle + McVoy didn't seem to know very many details about us and what we wanted to get out of the tour. They didn't seem organized for us and weren't quite sure what we wanted. Maybe prepping the contacts at the firms a bit more so that they can get right to why we are there!
Possibly touring 1 or 2 more firms?
Please suggest future sites or event topics:
Any place you'd think is a good opportunity; although it would be cool to visit Mono
I have gone to every studio tour event since my freshman year, I love them and thing they are extremely beneficial. Other firms to try could be: Brand Lab, Fallon, Worrell, Space 150, Riley Hayes, Fame, Larson. I would have also loved to see more places like in‐house design (Target, General Mills, etc.) to see another aspect of Graphic Design careers.
I really liked Colle + McVoy, maybe other firms of similar size and type of work would be nice.
Evereve Firm Tour March 6th, 2015
Total Responses: Four people Rate your experience 1-5 [5=Excellent, 1=Poor]: Sites selected 5: three people 4: one person 3: 2: 1: Registration Process 5: three people 4: one person 3: 2: 1: Time/Day selection 5: three people 4: 3: one person 2: 1: Length of tour 5: three people 4: one person 3: 2: 1: What did you like best about the tour?
I liked that we got to tour both the corporate and store on the same day. Tours like this help undergraduates explore career options and connect with professionals in the industry.
The contact we had at Evereve was phenomenal. She helped to design the day and connected us with the right people and hosted a great tour.
Getting exposure to both the corporate office and the retail store.
Enthusiastic tour guides, great location, very informative
What could we improve for future tours?
The bus was late for the tour, but that was out of the control of the people who set it up.
I like the opportunity to visit home office/headquarters then tie it to the store level. I think students appreciate that connection as well.
Having greater variety of employees talking about what they do at the company.
Transportation
Please suggest future sites or event topics:
Made For Retail, Target, Best Buy, Gander Mountain, Che Bella
Local small businesses.
Small boutiques in the twin cities
Creating Your Brand with Social Media
Thursday, March 26th, 2015
Responses: 14
Freshman: 2 people Sophomore: Junior: Senior: 5 people Graduate Student: 1 person Alumni: 3 people Staff: 1 person Community Member: 2 people Rate your experience 1-5 [5=Excellent, 1=Poor]: Program content—relevant to my needs 5: Four people 4: Six people 3: Two people 2: One person 1: One person Quality of presenter knowledge 5: Five people 4: Two people 3: Three people 2: One person 1: One person Opportunity to ask questions & discuss 5: Eight people 4: Five people 3: One person 2: 1: Rate: Yes, Indifferent/Maybe, or No This is a good time during the semester for the event. Yes: Eight people Indifferent: Six people No:
This is a good time of the day for such an event. Yes: 12 people Indifferent: One person No: One person I would participate in a future event of this type. Yes: 12 people Maybe: One person No: One person What did you like best about the event?
The potential the topic suggested
Great variety of panelists
Hearing different perspectives was helpful
The presenters were great.
The different backgrounds of the presenters and their different uses of social media.
The interpersonal style of the forum
Variety in speakers and relevant content about something everyone uses.
Nice that it kept to an hour. Very inspiring.
How could we improve this event?
it was a little too novice and overview for my taste
Would have been nice to have had moved the crowd into the chairs on the floor rather than be so far back and spread out
The moderator could have been better. She seemed uncomfortable and pretty stiff ‐ someone more comfortable with public speaking could have helped the event flow a little more naturally.
I felt like most of the event was on their current use of social media, not necessarily about how they built up their brand.
The speakers just kind of talked about how good they were at social media and it was intimidating.
Presenters should go into the event with a consistent framework for background information. Kate was short and sweet, Dan was a little longer, but good, but Beth was like a 4" novel compared to them. It's not that anyone did a bad job, it's just that the comparison was so huge. Less focus on background, more focus on Q+A. Also making sure that one panelist doesn't hijack the whole conversation. And lastly, the person asking the questions should come off more professional and seem on top of things instead of so confused.
A time of 5 pm would better.
Please suggest other topics or programs you would like to see:
I would like to see an event on freelancing and how much to charge for projects/should you do projects for free for experience, and the pros and cons of freelancing.
A whole event focused on blogging would be great!
Design in 7 April 1, 2015
Rate your experience 1-5 [5=Excellent, 1=Poor]: Format of Event (7‐minute presentations) Average: 4.702702703 Event registration process Average: 4.081081081 [Location (Coffman Memorial Union Theater) Average: 4.297297297 Chosen date and time Average: 4.486486486 Hors d'oeurve and drink selection Average: 3.891891892 Selection of speakers (overall) Average: 4.378378378 Presentation content (overall) Average: 4.189189189 Designer trading cards Average: 4.513513514 What did you like best about Design in 7?
I really really enjoy this event. I like being on campus. The rainstorm was a bonus. The speakers were excellent, and I especially appreciate their message ‐ typically very personal. The staff at the U (Lori and Lucy and I'm sure others) does a fabulous job of putting this together! Thank you! Did I mention I really enjoy this?! – Doug
I like the diversity of speakers. It's also a great cap to the mentoring year.
The format (7min) keeps my attention and ensures that content is curated.
Presentations were short and mostly to the point. It was inspirational. I appreciated this as a finale for the mentor program. Good for conversation, and I introduced my mentee to one of the speakers who said her firm needs interns!
It was a wide range of people in design and the talks were extremely inspiring.
The variety of professions represented
variety of speakers
The variety and quality of the presenters.
variety of speakers
the attitude of the presenters...willing and enthusiastic to share their stories, wisdom, and creativity
I appreciated the honesty and information of the first speaker (Andrew)
It is inspirational in the sense that it gives you insight into the emotions that other designers have experienced in their careers.
The presentations were excellent, but I've always enjoyed the before‐and‐after chances to meet new people and have some good conversation.
Fun atmosphere for students/mentors/alum/professionals, great presentations
The variety of the speakers Thomas Fisher transitioning between the speakers was amazing!
I thought the whole event was great! I loved the variety of the speakers and listening to their stories!
Trading cards ‐ ingenious! keep going this. have different students draw the speakers, too. maybe instead of a bio, highlight features consistently across the board (see video game character cards like my son's Skylanders game)....for example, "hobbies" or "favorite line".
Attending it with mentee.
Loved being part of it! Great to have the open format and everyone has a different take on how to get their point across. Tom Fisher did a good job as the MC and made great on the spot transitions and comments.
I found Monica to be a breath of fresh air and an inspiration!
Short format encourages speakers to be direct.
great event, well attended, interesting speakers
The variety of people attending.
The message from the speakers was clear and concise (yet with a differing approach). Loved the energy and personality of the speakers as well.
Loved the variety of speakers!
Variety of speaker backgrounds
I always love the 7 minute format.
Hearing from different professionals in the design community (breadth is nice)
I like the format ‐ 7 minute presentations.
I really appreciated all of the insights and advice the speakers had. I feel they all had a well planned and executed message.
I loved to hear people's stories about how they have grown themselves as designers and how they have developed their careers.
It's a great resource for students and past students alike.
What improvements would you suggest we make to the next Design in 7?
None.
Air conditioning! Also making sure that people stick to the 7 minutes.
It would be nice to have a way to ask questions of the speakers.
"Is there a way to have a short panel discussion with the 7 presenters at the end? Or at least bring them all back up on stage for a final look‐see?
Could there be a display of their work in the lobby?"
"This is nit picky‐ but my $6 glass of wine was miniscule!! I have to complain that this was way overpriced for what I got!
I think you should hold fast to the 7 minutes!
Require visuals‐ Salmela's presentation needed images!
Overpriced ($20??!!) for professionals who are not UMN AA members or students"
If each presenter could show at least one example of their work. Maybe it's the piece of work they think best showcases their style?
Ask speakers to use microphone!
possibly better pre‐function space, air temperature! (too warm)
the agenda was a bit misleading as it stated that talks would be about "thought‐provoking, inspiring, and sometimes curious tales from the trenches." but it seemed that everyone spoke about what led them into the field.
Don't mess with success.
As a web designer, I would like to see more web and interactive specific professionals. Though I did take away great ideas and messages from every presenter, regardless of field.
N/A
"Take this as a grain of salt, but Design in 7 felt underwhelming. I didn't take much away from it, and it seemed as if some of the speakers as well as the person who started the event weren't prepared. I was disappointed when the person introducing read from the paper, especially when she hardly looked up and spoke in a robot voice; there was no passion or excitement. That's not a good way to start off an annual event like this one
7 minutes isn't that much time to really delve into a person's experience. I know this is the point of the event, that it should be a quick summary of the speakers experience and history with design, but... It is difficult to describe. I guess I was expecting a TED like talk, with super prepared speeches that were concise, interesting, deep, and thought provoking.
I did take some things away, but found myself wishing Tara had shown more of her Bridal gown ideas, or if David had shown some of his work, or if Ellen had talked a little about that friend who had died that day... This would have made the event more memorable.
Perhaps it was a time issue... Who knows. I felt as if the event was a bit shallow"
"1) better intro speaker. don't just read off cards. 2) find a few comedians to talk about design. 3) have consultants from different disciplines share their contribution to a singular project ‐ emphasis on collaboration & cross‐pollination 4) ""goldilocks and the 3 bears"" approach to the age‐old question of what's the best fit for me? a small, mid, or large size firm? have great dynamic speakers from each type of firm handle similar props on stage to demonstrate how they play the field differently from each other"
Air‐conditioning.
I would say picking people that are really going to try and inspire the group! Bring something fresh to the conversation.
The reception area is very crowded. Using a bigger space might be helpful, and barring that, figuring out a better way to distribute food and drinks would improve the atmosphere.
a few more "filling" food options would be good, especially considering the time being right over dinner ‐ maybe a more formal way for presenters to meet and greet afterwards? It felt a little awkward to me for some reason.
"Better graphics from the speakers.
Sound was not good ‐ hard to hear.
Is there another venue other than Coffman? Hot and frumpy.
No one was funny . . . missed that from previous design in 7 events. "
Temperature control in the auditorium be on par with the amount of guest showing up and the temperature outside. I would like to see some specific examples of design in relation to approach that varies between speaker. But not because of their background, but because of the prompt.
I know it was a random warm day, but it was really too hot in the theater and reception areas!
I would like to hear more than just a presenters sequence of life events, perhaps more specificity ‐ a crucial point in their life/career stories ‐ would give more perspective on the designer then the timeline offers.
"‐ Review speakers presentations and offer constructive criticism so that what they discuss is as refined and developed as possible. Maybe board members mentioned at the event could review each speaker or there could be a small D7 committee. Some of the speakers ran long and some of the content was all over the place (i.e. architecture).
‐ Make sure that the person introducing the moderator is enthusiastic, well‐spoken, and prepared.
‐ The illustrations were great, but it's nice when they're more like funny caricatures. ‐ Get an actual bell (not a phone alarm) for the timer. It was odd that so many different
sounding alarms were going off. ‐ Say what majors speakers represent."
The signs for timing the speakers could maybe say something different rather than "STOP". Perhaps it could say "Please wrap up at this point". I think the communication to the speakers was probably there, but they maybe forgot what signs they were going to be chosen and then were startled by "STOP"?? Not quite sure, but that timing portion could be improved. Perhaps a light timer on the podium...?
"Please give the speakers constraints. I don't want to hear entire life stories, and I don't want to hear general statements (eg. ""you'll end up where you're meant to be"", ""think outside the box"", etc.)
I want to hear something more specific. Please guide the speakers to do so.
Pick storytellers. too many people read from a script and it wasn't that interesting."
Advertise more with students and let them know that this is an amazing opportunity to hear about real world situations which we often lack in the classroom. A lot of people in attendance were with the Mentor program, which I am part of, and that is why I was there. I had previously vaguely heard about the event but never knew what it was until my mentor encouraged me to go with.
It would be nice to clarify if the event is more about stories of "what design means to me" or if it about "the struggles, opportunities, challenges, and successes of being a (self‐made) designer" ‐ i.e. lessons learned, how to face challenging decisions, important moments in the speakers careers, etc.
I felt that the quality of the speakers this year wasn't quite up to snuff. Maybe half of them were good/great.
General Summary of Improvements:
1. Be more detailed when instructing the speakers on topics. Run through presentation or topics of presentations prior to the event to allow the opportunity for constructive feedback.
2. Have a timer up on the podium and also change the STOP sign to be less abrupt. It created an awkward ending for the speakers who were taken back by it.
3. Have the subtitle be more specific. It seemed to be misleading for many students. 4. Require slides that show work and also use a microphone. 5. Some time at the end to do a Q & A with the presenters. 6. The introduction could be more enthusiastic and not read from cards.
Please share names and contact information for future presenters.
Sue Crolick, first female art director in MSP and founder of Art Buddies, a 20‐year non‐profit. [email protected]
"Don Ganje
Mila Samson, a young designer at Kazoo Branding. She was educated in Holland in a way that is different than the U.S., met a drummer in an Indy rock band, married him and ended up in Minneapolis looking for a job. Lucky for me (Tom Dupont) she knocked on our door. She is young, 26 years old, but has an interesting story to tell.
Sue Crolick of Art Buddies.
"Anna Klaussen, Landscape Architect
Director of Rural Strategies at Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
http://www.iatp.org/about/staff/anna‐claussen
http://landscapearchitecturemagazine.org/2013/10/22/growing‐concern/
Anna Nelson, Senior Lansdscape Architect Perkins + Will (612) 851‐5000
"Lulu Danzig of LULU Painting and Gypsy Mint Stencil Co."
Additional comments
Great event. Inspiring always. Thank you!
What a fabulous program with such potential to really inspire and help push the boundaries of the design world conversation. Thank you for doing what you do!
I was one of the presenters and had never been to the event before. I had a great time and really enjoyed the group and meeting new people. Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of it!
Some presenters have great graphics to aid their 7 minutes, while others could benefit from including a clear slide presentation ‐ design is visual. I would like to see more of their design work in addition to childhood photos.
Thanks for another great CDes event!
It would be nice if there was a way to enhance the networking opportunities prior to the event beginning. As a student, it's difficult to introduce yourself to other professionals.
I know this was probably out of the control of the planners but the room was extremely warm in temperature. Almost made it hard to concentrate on the last few speakers.