Anti-Terror Technologies

Psychologists tell us that after horrific events, such as the September 11 terrorist attacks, people tend to react initially with shock, fear, confusion, sadness, and anger, but then they want to take some kind of action. This urge to do something may result from a desire for revenge, but it also stems from a need people have to regain control of a situation, and to do so in the most effective way possible, using whatever special expertise they can bring to bear. This was certainly true for me. If he response about how computer graphics technologies can be used to stop terrorism—is any indication, it was also true for many others in the computer graphics community, though I’m sure pure altruism and patriotism on the part of the respondents were major factors as well.

The response was impressive. Some 70 respondents offered innovative ideas for employing computer graphics tools and techniques in a host of applications, ranging from improving airline safety and enhancing emergency-response training to employing counter-terrorist measures and raising consciousness about the precursors and aftermath of terrorism. What follows is an edited sample of the comments:

National Design Policy

Did you know India has a National Design Policy?

i. preparation of a platform for creative design development, design promotion and partnerships across many sectors, states, and regions for integrating design with traditional and technological resources;
ii. presentation of Indian designs and innovations on the international arena through strategic integration and cooperation with international design organizations;
iii. global positioning and branding of Indian designs and making ‘Designed in India’ a by-word for quality and utility in conjunction with ‘Made in India’ and ‘Served from India’;
iv. promotion of Indian design through a well defined and managed regulatory, promotional and institutional framework;
v. raising Indian design education to global standards of excellence;
vi. creation of original Indian designs in products and services drawing upon India’s rich craft traditions and cultural heritage;
vii. making India a major hub for exports and outsourcing of designs and creative process for achieving a design-enabled innovation economy;
viii. enhancing the overall tangible and intangible quality parameters of products and services through design;
ix. creation of awareness among manufacturers and service providers, particularly SMEs and cottage industries, about the competitive advantage of original designs;
x. attracting investments, including foreign direct investments, in design services and design related R&D;
xi. involving industry and professional designers in the collaborative development of the design profession.

The strategy to achieve this vision would focus on strengthening quality design education at different levels, encouraging use of designs by small scale and cottage industries and crafts, facilitating active involvement of industry and designers in the development of the design profession, branding and positioning of Indian design within India and overseas, enhancing design and design service exports, and creating an enabling environment that recognizes and rewards original designs.

Draft National Design Policy (pdf) (dated October 2005)

Korea: Design Policy Plan
Dutch Design Foundation’s Policy Plan

John Thackara on Design Policy
Bureau of European Designers Association on Design Policy

UK Design Council: Design policy actions for Government
Japan: Toward the New Design of Competition Policy