• In an interconnected world, what are the limitations of design when cultural, political, economic biological and environmental systems are increasingly open?

Well, it seems like the biggest limitation would have to be the creative minds designers. For a long time, information about other cultures was hard to find, but now with the advent of the internet, and the connectivity involved, even a 3 year old can hop on the web and learn everything about world cultures. Because our systems are becoming more and more open, cultural ideas are starting to blend, and with that, the blending of ideas, beliefs, and ultimately: designs. So the limitation lies in the fact that designers now have to gear their work towards a mixture of culture and political ideas, all blended into one. Conflicts are bound to arise.

• Does new media present the “new” direction for design? Describe how new media does or does not present “new “ directions in design and provide an examples (links or screen grabs) to support your assertion.

Absolutely. Our society has drastically changed over the last century alone. Media is constantly becoming quicker, more eye-catching, and effective, all in order to fulfill the needs of a modern society. This is present in television and movies. Back in the day, the level of suspense and drama a movie had to offer would appear to be a lame rendition in today's society. Also, with the advent of the internet, cell phones, and other portable devices, designers are constantly having to change directions and push the edge of "new" design. And quite frankly, humans get bored. If a webpage doesn't load within 6 seconds, we're usually off to a new page Also, within the last decade, networking sites, such as Facebook, Myspaceand Twitter have really pushed the edge as far as "new" media. These sites have really defined a new generation of media-goers.

• Is it time for designers to reintegrate disparate fields in order to consider new directions in design? Give examples (with links or screen grabs) of some new ways that design might be considered. These do not have to be existing ways, just ways that might yield some new and interesting results.

Yes, I believe that designs will always benefit from reintegration of older work. I don't know if I fully agree with the idea that "everything has been done before", if that were the case, why are we all studying design? I think there are still a ton of creative ideas yet to be explored. But yes, the reintegration of older designs would definitely help as a jumping off point.
Lessons about TypeThis is a good example of the combination of older designs and new technique. It has a very old-time feel to it, but uses brand new technology.


• What is the next “big thing in design”? Why do you think so and based on what criteria? Provide examples to support your assertion.

Well, I definitely think the biggest leaps are being made in the world of 3D animation. Technology is becoming so advanced, and CGI actors are popping up in movies all over the place, so I would think that more realistic facial animation would be the next big thing.
This is a good example of new technology.

Also, I think interactivity is growing in many ways. I heard about microsoft'sTable Top Computer a few years ago. I definitely think its ground breaking technology, and I envision the future using lots of hands-on interactivity.