Overview
Reviewing innovation in Chicago over the past century, a clear pattern emerges. It is characterized by selfless passion, an entrepreneurial spirit, fierce collaboration, and design for a community that’s greater than the sum of its parts. This session represents a survey of accomplishments by Chicagoans that have fundamentally changed the context in which we practice; and explores what it takes to leave the comfort of one’s boundaries to pursue a passion project full-time.
Objective
The objective of this session is to urge attendees to consider the decisions that have shaped the context in which they practice, while inspiring them to consider pursuing their passion projects.
Five things audience members will learn
- An ultra-brief, 100-year history of design in Chicago
- Lessons learned from going through the process of creating a non-profit start-up
- Background context on an organization that strengthens design culture and builds community through the exchange of knowledge and experiences
- Learning by doing is a wonderful means of developing professional skills and relationships
- Personal and professional development is often intermixed
