Innovation Blog

Math, math, math. Much about the creation of an EE is finding the little math genie within each of them. It has been said that a Control EE skirts the edge of existence as a Mathematician. If so, one must have an affinity for the very slippery concepts presented to us as Control Theory and enjoy differential equations. That is very true should one want to resolve complex matrix operations that define a closed systems driving constants, say Kp, Ki, or Kd (proportional, integral, derivative). There must be an easier way for the remaining mortals amongst us.

Let me introduce you to my little friend, the Open-Loop Response...

Values within countries, linked by language and religion, move from survival to postmodern with a rise in GDP and subsequent political stability. Will personal aesthetics change at a parallel rate? How will cultures with large income disparity choose to integrate aesthetics and design within their social agendas? (see International Herald Tribune article on Design in India, Dec. 19, 2004).

"Why didn't anyone ever think of that before?"

In 2025, will we still be asking that question? Of course we will.

Designs are judged on many criteria, not just beauty or innovation: the advantage to the user, the extended life of the manufacture, the reclaim advantage, morph opportunities, transformational prowess, internal power generation capability and the benefit to society, just to name a few. But let's face it, good design is subjective. It's not easily rationalized.

In 2025, good design solutions are the rule rather than the exception. Since MicrosoftWal-Mart? created its "design first" policy, the bar has been raised. Forty or 50 years ago, we didn't have Linux's Great Design Software to identify consumer demographics and pair future scenarios with the data. Today's products are designed around the specific emotional needs of the targeted user, as well as their aesthetic and functional desires. Great design is pretty easy to create. Look at Vietnam: It has won more IDEAs (major design awards) in the last 15 years than all other countries combined! But be careful, a basketful of silvers and bronzes doesn't define design excellence. It is great sustainable design that takes the gold....