At a time when a lot of people are feeling alienated by the
rapid progress of technology in an increasingly digital world, she
wanted to convey a note of optimism, namely that the extraordinary
force inherent in technological development can and should be used
for good. Upon listening to UID graduates delivering their
talks she appeared enthused that most students at the school seemed
to have taken this notion to heart already at the start
of their projects.
"I am very pleased to see what is happening here today because
the student projects reinforce the exact sentiment I was trying to
communicate. It is clear that this generation of designers,
educated here at UID, are identifying opportunities to solve real
problems. Coming here is a big bowl of fresh air. Students do not
seem threatened by the ever-changing landscape of technology. As a
matter of fact, the projects and processes that they have shown
offers that same message of optimism I was hoping to give".
After a long and stellar career in the big-money auto industry,
Anne joined Dassault Systems in 2007 as the Vice President of
Design Experience where she oversees the development of
cutting-edge 3D solutions. Her breadth of experience across
industries gives weight to her arguments on how useful and
innovative design should be fostered in an educational setting. She
clearly believes UID is on the right track.
"What is unique here at UID is having bachelor, masters and
research under one roof. Housing the whole spectrum at the school
is so important, from the practical use of different technologies
at the bachelor's level all the way to the PhD-research that is
more reflective and critical in nature. This continuum offers a
common thread at UID that helps designers understand how technology
can best be used to answer the real needs in our societies, from a
human-centered perspective".
"I feel that Umeå is far ahead on this path and I'm absolutely
impressed by the level of quality among students. There are very
few schools that are pushing as far to encompass social innovation
while also embracing science".
June 2017
