Core77

frog designer Michele Tepper perked some cross-disciplinary ears when announcing her talk, appropriately named "Design Across Disciplines." Tepper explained why Industrial and Interaction designers must converge and learn to work together to forge better experiences all around. Everything we touch is an interaction experience. She proposed that teams assign a single creative lead across both disciplines. Physical design embodies form and space while virtual design carries out process and time. The moment someone experiences an interaction, all boundaries have been crossed. In order for a team of both disciplines to harmonize, Tepper suggests in-person cross-discipline collaborations, having everyone equally engaged in major decision points, conducting joint product reviews, and encouraging curious and honest, but always respectful, dialogue. Basically, get everyone in the same room, make sure they gel. No name-calling or pride battles. Design something good.

Have at it.