Is Unreasonable Design Arrogance Hurting The Profession? Options

[csven]

I've been honestly amazed at most designers' lack of knowledge about rapid manufacturing techniques; especially since the technology opens up so many possibilities for the future of the design profession. I read all this stuff about "Design Thinking" and how "business needs to listen to (industrial) designers", yet I don't see much reason for them to take the people in the profession seriously. Most designers, frankly, aren't very well educated in the systems and methodologies favored by corporations. Many designers barely have an understanding of the basic science and engineering that makes many of their designs possible. Yet the indignation among the design community is palpable. And for me, at least, it can reach embarrassing levels. So much so I find myself distancing myself from it.

So yesterday I was reading this: "Un-Readymades: From Object to Experience. A study of mass customization from the perspective of industrial design" (Link) and one question in particular:

Why do most industrial designers neglect the customization and self-impression trend? Do design schools educate your designers in these new topics?

His answer, including calling out design "elitism", struck me. Read it for yourself.

So, is unreasonable, elitist arrogance and an unwillingness to give up control over design the reason so few designers exhibit an interest in technology which, by its nature, opens up the profession to "amateurs" who "should not be allowed" to design; just as desktop publishing opened up graphic design and blogging tools opened up journalism to amateurs? Or is it fear that some of those unworthy amateurs will outclass those who've spent time and money earning a diploma? Or is it something else?

. . .

(btw, yes, I myself am arrogant. I concede that. I'm of the opinion that designers need to be reasonably arrogant ... to have a sufficiently thick skin ... to deal with the negative stuff they'll invariable receive during their career. But I also have an education, a portfolio, and a reputation to back it up. So I make no apologies. And for those who might take offense... deal with it or move on. My intention here is not to merely attack the profession. That gains me nothing, and I am as selfish as the next person. Rather, I'd like the profession to wake up to what's going on so that we can all benefit. And in order to do that, I believe some level of perhaps uncomfortable candor needs to be employed.)