Design, Complexity, and the Intersection of Cities and Technology with Brian Boyer

Shaping Chaos

In this episode, Brian Boyer, co-founder of Dash Marshall and director of the Urban Technology program at the University of Michigan, shares his insights on navigating the complexities of design and the intersection of cities and technology. We discussed the difference between complexity and opacity, the value of design in decision-making, and the importance of understanding social knowledge. For me the highlight comes when Bryan discussed the need for a broad toolbox in dealing with complexity and the challenges of multidisciplinary projects, something that still seems to be a struggle in the modern world. As a teacher, Bryan also shares his experiences educating students to find a balance between different design perspectives and the importance of asking the right questions in city planning.

Key Takeways

• The intersection of cities and digital technology brings together different approaches and perspectives.
• Historical figures like Olmsted and modern innovations like Uber have had a significant impact on cities.
• Finding a balance between utilizing and protecting the commons is crucial in the digital age.
• Educating students to find the middle space between different design perspectives is essential.
• Asking the right questions and understanding the qualities and experiences of a place are important in city planning.
• Turning once abstract ideas into something tangible and usable is a key contributor to success in design.