'I have worked in many fields of the industrial and graphic design world (freelance and full-time), from housewares to tabletop products and gifts, to footwear and apparel, office products, packaging, displays, and bags. I thoroughly enjoy every aspect of the design process, but the most salient attribute of my design skill set is my ability to innovate new and unexpected ideas in areas where most products are ‘me-too’ products. Technology is capable of almost anything and design is thus empowered to deliver amazing solutions to a design challenge.
As a designer that came from an engineering background, I can honestly say that great design does not follow a formula. Sadly,many designers have their ‘solution’ figured out even before they have started to sketch. Furthermore, they are typically riding on the heels of either innovation, trend or fashion and jumping on the bandwagon with the next ground-breaking shape.
I don’t turn my nose up at any of the typical design approactes, but I also don’t limit myself to them. I allow my mind to not over-think at the outset, to just be open to any possibilities, to learn as much as I can about the problem, to immerse myself in the context of that world. Then with this open mind, I can ideate with all the design tools at my disposal. I do not rule out any design tool and I do not rule out any idea at the start, because some of the most amazing design solutions come from seemingly dead-ends.'
Priscilla Barton, formerly Priscilla Bernikowicz, resides in Berkeley, CA.