Making a Creative Space: Lessons from the Neo-Futurists
Monday, October 22, 2:45-3:30 PM
Sustaining a collaborative environment where designers can consistently produce high quality work is an ongoing challenge for design managers. We are not the first to face this problem. Our colleagues in other creative disciplines have developed effective ways to support dynamic work environments. From them, we can gain insight into our own work. The Neo-Futurists, a Chicago-based theater company, have developed a unique system for the ongoing development and performance of new work. Their production, "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind," includes 30 plays in 60 minutes, with the group producing two to 12 new plays each week. Over eighteen years, the company has been fertile ground for many artists.
In this session, Sharon Greene, and Sarah B. Nelson will discuss how the Neo-Futurists, a Chicago-based theater company have managed their creative environment. We will look at the mechanics of their production "Too Much Light" and discuss leadership techniques in a leaderless environment, and examine ways to effectively introduce new members while maintaining the integrity of the organization's culture.
About Sarah Nelson
Sarah B. Nelson is a design strategist for Adaptive Path. She has ten years of experience in interactive media, designing kiosks, mobile and online experiences for clients in a variety of industries. Sarah has a particular passion for practice development, conducting research into methods for improving collaboration, supporting creativity, and encouraging innovation.
Sarah brings a unique blend of creative vision and technical expertise to her work. Her research-focused approach to interaction design has produced successful results for clients such as the Federal Home Loan Bank, Home Street Bank, AOL Mobile, The Metropolitan Opera, and The Royal Victorian and Albert Museum.
Before joining Adaptive Path, Sarah managed the creative team and developed the user experience practice at POP, an interactive design firm in Seattle, Washington. A classically trained violinist, Sarah graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy and received a B.A from Oberlin College in visual arts and electronic music. While completing her Masters at the Institute of Design in Chicago, Sarah focused her studies on the definition and design of complex multi-modal systems supporting collaboration and communication.