Arts
Today’s episode is largely about fire. Specifically, the growing problem of wildfires in California, and how good design, combined with improved data analysis tools might help reduce the dangers they pose. The guest I’m speaking with is Kevin Farnham, who might be more familiar as the founder of Method, an integrated design agency that broke a lot of ground, creating design systems for companies like Autodesk and Quicken, then expanding into a global consultancy with clients like Hitachi, Kenwood, McDonald’s and The Economist. So Kevin and I talk a little about Method, and also about Mirra, his more recent venture that seeks to productize the creation of 3D environments.But the bulk of the conversation is about his current project, to create a set of data tools that make it easier to fight wildfires, and to manage forests so those fires aren’t so destructive. It’s a great example of how design principles from the business world can actually have a big impact on society-level problems—and it points out some of the unique challenges you face when dealing with such a diverse group of stakeholders.For designers, it’s an inspiring discussion, that really reinforces the idea that good design can solve real problems and have a large scale positive impact. And for anyone who lives in California—or Australia, or anywhere else dealing with a climate-change induced wildfire crisis—it’s a reason for hope, and a call to action too.