Can a true multi-disciplinary approach solve the wicked problems of the world?
Almost two decades ago, Niklas Mortensen was on his way from Oslo to London to apply for a degree in graphic design, when he stumbled upon an issue of Computer Arts magazine highlighting interaction and UX education. And just like that, his focus changed.
Today, he’s the Managing Director at Designit Oslo where he spends his days “herding cats (designers) across multiple disciplines — from architects and anthropologists, to service, digital and UX/IxD designers.”
A long-time IxDA supporter, Niklas co-founded IxDA Oslo in 2009 and was an active part of this 3,000+ strong community up until joining the global organization’s Board of Directors. He was also the Co-Chair for the 2014–15 Interaction Awards. You can follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.
As a studio, Designit seems to focus its practice on solving complex social issues as well as those of its traditional business clients. Tell us about that.
We are true believers in the power of design, and how it can be applied to solve the most wicked problems, be it in private or public sector. This requires us to have a rock-solid foundation in the “traditional” design disciplines, while broadening our perception of what a design studio is today. Adding psychologists, anthropologists and system-oriented designers to our pool of talent brings in a range of new perspectives to our work.
This year, Designit is focused on our new educational offering (Cooper Professional Education) that builds new capabilities through the lens of “Futures,” our internal initiative that explores themes like “trusting invisibility, enhancing humanity, and playful unlearning.”
When you look at the UN Sustainable Development Goals, design is but one tool we can use to address universal social issues. For example, the goals of Gender Equality and Decent Work and Economic Growth requires a broad set of skills across industries, different points of view and global collaboration. Designers need to embrace this change.
These new ways of working will enable us to solve larger, more profound problems using the underlying foundations of our collective disciplines.
As the industry develops, what is it like trying to keep up with the pace of the technology that’s constantly evolving?
Developing future-oriented products and services is at the core of our craft. Part of our process should always open up and explore alternatives utilizing emerging trends, technology and movements to inform the outcome of what we are designing. The aforementioned “Futures” initiative is one way of doing this in a sandbox environment that just lets us play with possible and impossible future scenarios through various lenses, including ethics and the SDGs.
Tell us who has played a role in your professional growth.
My local IxDA community in Oslo has been an inspiration since 2007. As for leadership, I draw on the experience and knowledge from a couple of my previous managers who have been instrumental in guiding my growth, allowing me to consult and spar with them on a regular basis.
What advice would you give to designers coming into the field?
Specialise before you generalise. Many young designers come into the field wanting to jump straight into strategy work. But working strategically requires you to understand the underlying craft. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and ask many, many, many questions. Have a growth mindset and always look for the learning opportunity in the work you are doing.
Last, but not least: being a great designer doesn’t mean you are a great leader. Therefore, foster your leadership skills in the same way you foster your design skills. After all, your learning journey is never done.
