Interactive Design Conference

The conference held on McComsey Hall, Millersville University on November 16th, presented four professionals of different disciplines and backgrounds, who work the field of design.

Justin Kunkel, director of strategy of ANDCULTURE, a design agency based in Harrisburg, PA had a lot to say. He defined himself as an user experience designer, not a graphic artist. Kunkel started out as an architecture student, but quickly shifted to English and Philosophy. For him, the most important aspects of his job are his ability to solve problems and his communication skills. His advice to the attendees:

• Recognize design as a PROCESS
• Think Holistically
• Learn Consciously and APPLY constantly
• EMPHATHIZE always
• DEVOUR information
• RESEARCH design

The next presenter, Robert Deraco ( prefers to be called Bobby), a self-made professional, owner of SYNAPSE, agency located in Lancaster, PA, had seven lesson for the audience:

1. Never stop learning
2. Data sells ideas
3. If you think hiring a professional is expensive, try hiring an amateur
4. It costs $200 to turn a bolt
5. Think Code, but speak at level
6. Your mom is the user
7. Chaos is profitable

Joshua Buckwalter, Creative director at INOVAT, and president of AIGA Central PA. He is also a musician and has a band, so many of his early efforts were designing the artwork for the CDs and promos. Also, talked about learning from one's mistakes. He emphasized the importance to start somewhere, but to be smart and move on quickly. Buckwalter explained his personal experience at Clipper Magazine, and later  redesigning and rebranding for The Mailbox, a site of resources for teachers.

The last presenter, Aaron Chu, a web engineer, Millersville University alum, and currenty a front-end developer for Huge Inc, a New York based agency. Chu, originally from Hong Kong, was exposed early on to Japanese animation. Sailor Moon had quite an impact during his childhood, and prompted him to research further the symbolism present in the series. His studies opened new worlds of knowledge to him; from Buddhism to Roman mythology. He has special interest in sculpture and contemporary art.
Chu advised the  audience to be confident, and pay attention to details.