Making Information Understandable

While at DLD, I had the opportunity to hear Richard Saul Wurman speak. Wurman is an architect and designer, and a visionary in how to provide information to people in a way that is understandable. I highly recommend checking out one of his projects, 192021.

In an ‘easy on the eyes’ format, he describes how populations will be shifting to create supercities, and the argument that cities need to change in order to adapt to this shift in population. Another example of effective communication with a complex topic.

tuh-mey-toh, tuh-mah-toh…Linguistics in Action

Having arrived in Munich about 2 weeks ago, I have spent my days assisting with preparations for the Digital Life Design Conference (DLD). We have about 120 speakers, and in reviewing the numerous CVs, bios, and life accomplishments, I am absolutely blown away by the intellect, creativity and determination of the individuals attending this conference. A complete list may be found, here. A short list includes Marissa Mayer (Google), Martha Stewart (MSLO), David de Rothschild (Adventure Ecology), Craig Venter (J. Craig Venter institute), John Brockman (author), and Viviane Reding (EU Commission). Not excluding, Dr. Hubert Burda and Yossi Vardi, the co-hosts of the Conference. 

As I have been editing and answering questions over the last couple of weeks regarding the English language, I am trying to find this balance between the English I use daily, what is considered, ‘appropriate’ American English, British English, and the English taught here, in Germany. Does the comma occur inside or outside the quotation mark? Should there be a period after ‘Dr’? What about capitalizing the first word of an email or letter…languages are absolutely fascinating!! In part, it has been standardized, yet, on the other hand, it is solely what is considered acceptable amongst an audience’s majority. The people at Hubert Burda Media have been incredibly kind! Despite the language barrier, they have been extremely generous in providing me this opportunity. Although I anticipate the next several days wrapped in lists, name badges and airport schedules as last minute details are prepared, I also anticipate the laughter, heartfelt handshakes and intellectual curiosity that gives DLD that ‘human touch,’ I have yet to experience at another Conference.  

I am also sure that as these bright minds come together, my own exploration into the future of business and the economy will only enhance exponentially, having the opportunity to listen to so many intriguing speakers. The future of business and the economy lies in building bridges across multiple fields which in the past have appeared dissimilar…hence, bringing together Digital…Life…&….Design.

Leavens Attends Hubert Burda Digital Life Design Conference

I recently discovered that I will not only be attending the international Design Life Digital (DLD) Conference this coming January (which I am absolutely thrilled about), but I will also be helping to organize the event! Hubert Burda Media holds the annual conference in Munich, Germany. I will have the opportunity to be a part of an international experience that brings together the brightest minds from a variety of fields, including new technologies and media. While they are still compiling the list for this coming year, past speakers have include Arianna Huffington (The Huffington Post), Niklas Zennstrom (Joost & Skype) and Caterina Fake (Flickr). While putting my communication and organizational skills to the test, I will be learning a great deal from the conference team - something I am greatly looking forward to! I will be in Germany January 1 - 23, 2008.

“DLD (Digital, Life, Design) is Europe’s conference for the 21st century; covering digital innovation, gaming, arts and science and bringing together thought leaders from Europe, the Middle-East, America and Asia. The three-day event is chaired by publisher Hubert Burda and investor Jospeh Vardi and hosted by Stephanie Czerny and Marcel Reichart.”

DLD08 is scheduled for January 20-22, 2008.