World Design: Broadening the Bandwidth Communication in the 90’s

Abstract

Progress is increasingly defined as success in organizing, sharing, understanding and using information. Design-related project teams typically develop and pass complex information among many team members. Current communications media limit the amount and speed of information transfer. Increasingly sophisticated computing communications systems offer the potential to bridge long distances and cultural differences. The design professions can take a cue from Cable News Network (CNN), which shows that live electronic communications do help bridge cultures. By communicating in a broader bandwidth, live images convey information in a richer, more compelling fashion than simple audio or printed media. Design-related work can benefit from live computing/telecommunications media, by building stronger relationships among participants and improving the quality, depth, speed and facility with which information is shared. This paper discusses an image-intensive design communications network, its prospective benefits and possible pitfalls.