About a year ago today, I visited SVA for the Open House event, as a “prospective”. I came from my recruiting position, wearing a shirt and tie. I wasn’t myself. I wasn’t able to really breathe the air. Tonight, I was on the other side of the mirror, looking out onto the room with a feeling of achievement. I know now, what I wish I had known 2 years ago. As much as hindsight is 20/20 — it sure is painful.

I was chosen to speak to the crowd for 1 minute about a day in the life in the IxD program as a representative of the 1st year class. I was flattered and excited! I had the opportunity to reach out to those prospective students, and tell them about the amazing decision I had made. If only I had known about the program in 2012, I would have applied sooner. That said, I may not have known how important the program was to my development as a designer, and thinker, if not for another year of waiting, and watching the design world in envy.

In sum, the evening was a hit. We had some great visitors and the presentations were great. I almost forgot about Paul’s theatrics and boisterous presentation styles. After the 1 minute presentations, I fielded questions from the crowd about why I had chosen to apply to the program, and was my motivations were. I told them about my undergrad studies in Industrial Design, and what I thought design meant then, and compared my past notions to what it means to me now. I remember the thought of Industrial Design being the center on my ven diagram between, building and aesthetic. My focus on research and usability were hardly a priority. Little did I know then, that these were the true pillars of strong, mindful design work and concepts.

I couldn’t communicate all this in a simple Q&A, but did share my feelings on fluff, and the absolute lack of space for it in an Interaction Design space. It’s simply too competitive and focused. The interactions we design must be exact, calculated and with a lack of logic and simplicity, it will immediately plant a seed. A seed deep in the users mind that begins to grow. That seed is doubt. Doubt that this product works, or knows what the user wants or is trying to do. There should not be a question, the user should never have to think. When they do, the seed is planted. This is why I chose the program, and why I believe Interaction Design is where I belong. I am a designer with a pure interest eliminating superfluous content and letting the rest speak for itself.

Until next time, check out the MFA IXD at SVA, if this crosses your screen and you’d like to consider the program!