In so many instances we are surrounded by design that is grounded by having to deal with concerns such as cost and manufacturing. At the other end of this spectrum, there is design that is inspired and unique, but will never see the light of day because real world considerations are not taken into account.

Thought at Work is an industrial design conference that will explore how we as students can implement inspiration into the real world. We have found a wide range of talented people who have something to say on this matter.

Wait a minute... WE?

Thought at Work is being organized completely by industrial design students. Three co-chairs and an outstanding group of volunteers, to be exact.

Why?

Why not? Students are rarely the focus of design events. We have our own unique questions and concerns. We beleive that last year's conference inadvertently exposed a huge need in the design community: the education of design students by designers. We need to know our heroes and fellow co-workers before we graduate. We need to be educated and articulate on important issues in the design world.

So, what's going to happen?

A lot. First off will be some really bright and energetic speakers (all design-related, albeit loosely) who will be telling us students what we need to know. No bullshit.

Second, a student design competition. Imagine: you enter an inexpensive design contest (free), your work gets displayed with our speakers', and everyone who comes to the conference (potential employers) gets to see it.

Portfolio Coaching. Very briefly: Instead of wishing you could get professional advice before the interview, it actually happens.

And we have some cool after-hour activities going on too. "Not At Work" returns. And by the way, we challenge you to a rematch. (You know who you are.)

10.05.04

09.30.04
Jonanthan from RIT's AIGA made this kick-ass poster for us. Look for it posted in a school near you.

09.28.04
Screw it. This is a student conference; we understand you're broke. Registration will stay:

$50 for students/$100 professionals.

Your $50 gets you a lot. Not only do you get one-on-one access to all our speakers, you also get FREE FOOD (sponsored by Core77) and the chance to win HOT furniture (sponsored by Blu Dot) at the student design competition.

02.21.04 I.D. Magazine and Pictures (For Real This Time.)

This is nuts. Thought at Work is featured in the March/April 2004 issue of I.D. Magazine. Cameron Sinclair, from Architecture for Humanity and a speaker at the conference, wrote a fantastic article and we just couldn't be happier.

To celebrate, we have finally posted the picture gallery we promised way too long ago. Enjoy!