Charles Snowden

Georgetown University – Design Leadership 

[charlessnowden]

Visual Diary 14

Some elements I would like to is that I cannot solve every problem at once. Only the problem that I can control. If I become a leader I should educate clients on my profession and services. Another thing is preparation to do a job by using research. My initial problem was to solve the industry problem of the communication breakdown of graphic designers and clients... instead of starting small.

[charlessnowden]

Visual Diary 13

“Miller Park, where a fan upon encountering the brick facade and structural elegance can't help but feel the reincarnation of baseball's romantic past. Intimate proximity to the players, natural grass, and a unique configuration separates this ballpark.” via mlb.com

A great solution for a sport that is played in a unpredictable climate, is a indoor/outdoor stadium. Most baseball stadiums brave the weather and temperature but the Milwaukee Brewers fans have a great advantage. To avoid rain or freezing temperatures a roof seals the stadium giving fans a indoor experience. However baseball is an outdoor sport. On days with clear skies fans can enjoy watching the game under the sun or bright light at night. Nothing beats baseball in the summer. Go Brew Crew!

[charlessnowden]

Visual Diary 12

Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum extends well beyond the four walls of the $524 million arena. The plaza outside the arena provides fans, visitors and locals with a number of year-round entertainment and dining options. Whether you need a place to grab a beer with friends before the concerts or you’re even just looking for a new yoga spot, the plaza will host a number of events and activities that everyone can enjoy.

https://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/fiserv-forum-entertainment-plaza.html

[charlessnowden]

Visual Diary 11

Milwaukee Gentrification

As the Milwaukee downtown is developing with a streetcar (The Hop) and the construction of the Milwaukee Bucks arena. As the area improves and home values rise, residents in neighborhoods near the downtown area fear they will be forced out of their homes. In the 1960s a lot of people were forced out their homes for the development of a major highway. It gave lots of people a fresh start but they had to give up good homes and land.

[charlessnowden]

Visual Diary 10

Sherman Phoenix

The Sherman Phoenix is an entrepreneurial hub located on Milwaukee’s north side in the Sherman Park neighborhood. A few years ago the Milwaukee Sherman Park neighborhood had riots that vandalized the area and businesses. One major business was BMO Harris, as people tried to break into the bank during the uprising. They decided to move across the street to a smaller location. Leaving their former building unoccupied. The Sherman Park neighborhood refuses to dwell on the past and look to build a better community. The place that use to be a BMO Harris bank holds 29 businesses. You can find a coffee shop, vegan restaurant, ice cream parlor, barbershop, nail salon, yoga studio and even a gourmet popcorn vendor at the space.

[charlessnowden]

Visual Diary 9

Cultural parameters might be the choice of language spoken, religious customs, gender roles or occupations. In the United States, a nation with big immigrant populations, there is a wide range of cultural diversity, religious beliefs, customs, and values, reflecting a variety of origins. Sometimes these parameters need to be broken. In Washington the Bullets changed their name to the Wizards, because of violence undertones. A parameter that should be broken would be when a team uses a derogatory term as their name.Tradition should always be honored as a sign of respect. It also shows that we respect people from different backgrounds or areas. We all come from diverse backgrounds. It shows empathy and understanding towards the people you serve or come in contact with. 

A good example of this are the different cultural festivals (African World Festival,  Festa Italiana,  German Fest,  Indian Summer,  Irish Fest,  Mexican Fiesta, and  Polish Fest) in Milwaukee every summer.

[charlessnowden]

Visual Diary 8

The Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge

“It not only unifies the south side with the rest of the city, but undoubtedly will open new avenues for development of our growing city.”  - Former Mayor Henry Maier 

Known to older residents as the “The Bridge to Nowhere,” it is one of Milwaukee’s most recognizable landmarks and almost considered one of the worst ideas in the city’s history. There is a scene in the movie, The Blues Brothers that was filmed on this bridge. In the development of the bridge there were some design issues and they still did not know how to connect the bridge to the interstate. In 1963, the city formally applied for federal aid to add an expressway link that would cut through Juneau Park and connect Lincoln Memorial to a sweeping bridge that would rise up from Clybourn Street, cross the channel, and connect to South Superior Street in Bay View. The bridge was honored by the American Institute of Steel Construction as one of the 17 most beautiful bridges to open to traffic in 1974. There was, of course, the minor detail of the bridge not actually being open to traffic. Finally, in 1975, President Gerald Ford released $2 billion in addition federal funds for interstate projects that included $22 million for Wisconsin to finally open the bridge to traffic. The north end would now be connected to the unfinished I-794 southbound ramps and the south end would connect to Carferry Drive – the same spot which had been considered insufficient by the feds nearly a decade prior. It’s of my way at times but I like to go cruising on this bridge.

[charlessnowden]

Visual Diary 7

Verbal communication is a key component in design leadership. A form of verbal communication is public speaking. It’s something I struggle with and hope to get better by doing speeches in Toastmasters.

[charlessnowden]

Visual Diary 6

A tool that is functional for me is the use of dual monitors at work. We are suppose to get them soon. Dual monitors gives designers the ability to work on different programs at the same time. I sometimes use different programs simultaneously. The dual monitors also increases productivity with designers. It will improve productivity by helping me stay on top of email and communicating promptly.

[charlessnowden]

Visual Diary 5

Design Goal

I work for a real estate company the issue is explaining the role of the graphic designer to the real estates agents. The agents need a better understanding about our role and utilize our services better. Sometimes the designers don’t know how to fulfill an agents request. It’s usually hit or miss, it’s hard to design a marketing piece without getting a full understanding of the agent’s needs.

Insights I learned that the real estate agents are not too familiar with our design services. A solution would be to go to the offices and do presentations showcasing our design capabilities. Another suggestion was to provide the agents with a brochure with a list of our services. We did a few presentations at a few offices. Most of these presentations useful and will utilize our services more often.

[charlessnowden]

Visual Diary 4

Inhaler for Asthma (Asthma Pump)

An inhaler s a device used to treat Asthma. This device opens the airways to deliver medicine which allows oxygen flow to the lungs. This doses relieve symptoms to reduce asthma attacks.

Visual Diary 4B

Home Glucose Monitor

Most people with diabetes need to check their blood sugar levels regularly. The results help you and your doctor manage those levels, which helps you avoid complications. There are many ways to test your blood sugar. You prick your finger with a small, sharp needle (called a lancet) and put a drop of blood on a test strip. Then you put the test strip into a meter that shows your blood sugar level.

Source: https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/how-test-blood-glucose

[charlessnowden]

Visual Diary 3b

Chairs are another example of user centered design. But more specifically office chairs. They are designed to match our body shapes. These types chairs are adjustable to match our height. The wheels allow us to move and maneuver at our desk.

Photo Source: Uline

[charlessnowden]

Visual Diary 3a

Bluetooth in automobiles is human-centered. With the Bluetooth feature it lets drivers multitask and keep both hands on the steering wheel while driving. Laws require drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel while driving. Bluetooth can link phones to automobiles which gives drivers the freedom to answer phone calls and text messages hands-free.

[charlessnowden]

Visual Diary 2 || Leadership Gap

A wicked design problem is the leadership gap with designers and lack of design leaders in the corporate ranks. A lot designer don’t really see themselves as managers or play down the fact that it is possible to be a design leader. Organizations also need proper training and mentors to be successful. A design leader is important to inspire teams and push innovation within a company.

Below is a video from Robert Sutton, that talks about leadership qualities and developing good leaders.

Original Video# https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn9OcOmFMaE

#leadershipgap #designleadership #GUMPDC620

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Quadracci Pavilion, Milwaukee Art Museum

Living in Milwaukee one of the most innovations designs is at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava is known for his flowing, curved buildings. Arguably this is one of Calatrava’s best designs, he uses aesthetics to make this structure stand out out from the other buildings in Downtown Milwaukee. 

[charlessnowden]

Module 1: Visual Diary 1

Oregon Ducks leads design with innovative uniforms. For over 20 years the Oregon Ducks were trendsetters. Whenever Oregon pushed a new design the rest of the college football world would follow. They say that you never where the same uniform combination more then twice. When you play for Phil Knights alma mater you get all the perks and get try new innovative apparel before any other team. The Ducks were the first college football team with flashy uniforms. Not only are the uniforms stylish, they are also functional. They are lighter to help the players faster.