Design: Hybridity without Compromising Expertise

Science and design are a happy, married couple. Interestingly, whenever I think of this union, my aunt comes to mind first. As a tenured biology professor at Case Western Reserve, Auntie Carol tried to compromise my interests in both science and design by suggesting I pursue medical illustration. According to her, it was the perfect blend. Unless I chose between one field or the other, it clearly seemed to be the most practical middle ground. I remember thinking immediately afterward that a profession in cake-baking sounded more appealing than medical illustration. Thankfully, through my experiences at RISD and Brown, I believe design and science are interlocked more than ever before.

Take materials, for instance. Materials science is one of the most interesting fields within engineering, due to its impact on global products and industry. Interacting on an atomic level, the foundation of materials science involves linking desired properties and relative performance of a material (in a particular application) to the structure of the atoms and phases in it through something called characterization. The primary determinants of both the structure and properties of a material include its essential chemical elements, as well as the method in which it has been processed. These, taken together and related through the laws of thermodynamics, ultimately govern a material’s microstructure and therefore its properties. This is roughly how new materials are created.

However, the material application process is equally important and interesting. After the material has been created, tested, and approved, designers have the power to employ new materials to new functions. The process of utilizing new technology to different functions and applications lies within a huge range of intent—from a sculptural and artistically experimental method, to a more rigid scientific progression, and yet both can yield groundbreaking results in innovation. Designers possess the ability to experiment as engineers AND sculptors, going back and forth to fully develop an ideal solution to whatever the need requires.

That is one reason why medical design speaks to me. It blends the hard facts and figures of engineering and science with human factors, ergonomics and sculpture. Take the new Philips Achieva 3.0T X-series MRI system, for example. The most important aspects that must be addressed are; state-of-the-art imaging technology that can facilitate a diagnosis promptly, a user friendly interface for health care personnel, and a focus on appearance and comfort for the patient. Using the latest imaging and coil advancements, along with a touch screen interface and one-click processing options help to make the machine one of the best MRI systems today. Yet the patient sees none of that. Instead they see the sweeping curves and neutral colors— they feel the cushioned bed and hear the low hum of the magnetic coils. To address the human factors successfully, great care must be taken to ensure the whole system is as unobtrusive and painless as possible; otherwise all the expensive technology is only marginally effective.

And yet there is tremendous room for improvement, especially in health care. I see design as an opportunity to combine specific fields of expertise, using experimentation and process as tools. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to pursue the required expertise in these fields, as no generic design curriculum can fully provide that without the infusion of outside knowledge. Once achieved, however, designers are the most influential, well-rounded experts of all, possessing the ability to affect masses of people on a global level. So take that, Auntie Carol.