Digital dependency

Today, design is an activity infused with a wide range of technology from CAD and the Internet to big data and social media. As a result, a series of complex interactions of people, places and data are creating, planning and building environments with the help of digital tools. Digital interactions, then, produce data that feed the creative industries and design ideation. Using digital tools have enabled designers to generate and communicate more realistically ideas and visions of possible futures. But as data is increasingly used as both tool and motive for design work, there are concerns. For example, CAD and 3D printing highlight the digital dependency on visualising and communicating ideas whereas social media question what happens to interpersonal interaction in built environments where virtual and real phenomena compete for attention. In this context, the ideation workshop offers an opportunity to gain greater awareness of the role and use of ideation tools in the digital culture.