Technolo-Gee

I don’t consider myself a computer whiz, but somehow I’ve inadvertently become a bit of a troubleshooter for my co-workers. I’d like to blame my age for that.

Being a part of the younger generation, computers are just another part of life -something to embrace and get comfortable with. Sure, they can be uncooperative and frustrating, but ultimately they make our lives easier.

According to this article on VSMD.com, that mentality will play a big role in shaping the future of retail design. In fact, you could argue -and some of the experts interviewed for the article do- that that future is already here. What was once done on a drawing table is now being designed in 3 dimensions at a computer desk. To secure a job in the field, applicants need to show experience and competency in working with the different design programs out there. Eric Feigenbaum, founding member of The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE), sums the movement up nicely by saying, “We have gone from an experienced-based industry to a skills-based industry. It’s no longer ‘Where have you worked?’ but rather ‘What skills do you have?’”

Luckily for those looking to break into the retail design world, leading visual merchandising and design schools around the country have developed comprehensive courses that equip aspiring designers with the right arsenal of computer design know-how to get the job done.

And when I get to sneak a peek at what our designers are doing on their computers, I can say with absolute certainty that, as far as computers go, I’ve got a lot to learn.