2LG Studio » Instagram @Design launch

Please rotate to portrait view

Samuel Wilkinson – An interview

Villa Borsani – Casa Libera

Jordan and Russell in Milan (2LG Studio)

Posted on 22.04.2018

Instagram @Design launch

Everything you need to know about the new @design account launch with instagram. A first hand run down of the top soundbites to keep you up to date on how Instagram see the world of design when it comes to using their platform and how the world of design, in return, see the platform.

On the panel was Ian Spalter, Instagram’s head of design, alongside Dezeen editor-in-chief Marcus Fairs, style journalist Michelle Ogundehin, Cabana magazine founder Martina Mondadori Sartogo, and designer Yves Behar.

The home of Old design (Milan) meets new tech futurism (Instagram) and we were there to find out where it is going. It was an eye opener for sure. Read on to find out what the future holds for Instagram users and design lovers.

“Instagram is a great place to learn about products in context...The people that use it best are doing it from a place of honesty.” Ian Spalter

“Chairs and tables and lights...that’s not where it’s at these days.” Marcus Fairs

“Technology is a material you use to create something that makes people’s lives better. You shape technology much like a piece of metal. A well crafted piece of software or hardware is just the same as a well crafted piece of joinery” Yves Behar

“There is a return of the maker because Instagram allows you into the studios and homes of makers. The technology has made small artisans visible...it makes them global.” Michelle Ogundehin

“Does it reflect a new reality that we can’t separate work from life.” Marcus fairs

“Happy design a new trend I'm seeing, is a reaction against the darkness of the outside world. Fashion and design are coming closer now too.” Michelle ogundehin

Will tech eclipse handmade design? Or will people return to undiscovered artisans. Are tech designers artisans now themselves. A complex and exciting one. We can’t help but think that the hand made will always hold sway and keep our interest much like Print and Theatre. There will always be a place for them, albeit less mainstream.

As for work life integration? Well that’s something we know all about. There is no boundary for us. And for so many of our friends and followers and colleagues. Is Instagram responsible for it or reflecting it?

Instagram makes the personal part of work. It also allows process to be more visible than it may have been in the past and this can only be a good thing.

Is that why we are all now obsessed with why and how more than ever and not so interested in what (ie just creating a beautiful thing because). Will this be a passing fancy? For now at least it seems pottery videos and the like will still hold great sway on social media as it is fascinating to watch someone at work in a different medium to your own.

Finally discussion turns to the boom of the micro brands (specific focused audiences allowing the growth of so many new small businesses). If you can hustle (and there is a huge amount of hustle involved), there is no doubt that social media opens up opportunities to reach new audiences. So the @Design account will hopefully be a source for good, shining a light on those small brands. We hope so.

Refreshingly, there was no talk of new algorithms and this very successful panel strongly advised focussing on honest, quality content and being true to yourself. We love that and will continue on that path in the hope that it doesn’t just become a shop. Happy designing and instagramming. x

You may also like...