Research Team

Andrew Drinkwater

WHAT I LEARNED

I learned that it is possible to have multiple solutions to the same problem, and that it involves lots of processing time to create a good idea. Simply put, if you start with a poor idea, no matter how technically advanced the end product is, it's still a poor idea.

I learned how important collaboration can be to good design. Considering many perspectives ultimately broadens your understanding of people and what they do. This can then be integrated into design so that it connects in more intimate ways with people.

WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS PROGRAM?

Absolutely! To anyone who is willing to look beyond their personal boundaries for a better way. The trip was an tons of fun, and I came back with knowledge that is tangible, useful, and can help me in any future line of work.

FAVOURITE MOMENTS

• Seeing the ancient city of Rome at night, for the first time.

• The James Irvine interview – because he had an outsider's perspective from within Italy.

• Seeing the Ferrari gallery, and navigating an Italian highway to get there.
  
• Large group dinners at various restaurants. These really seemed to bring the class closer together.
  
• The Mendini interview. Even now, I am still in awe of the fact we interviewed two living legends of design.

FAVOURITE QUOTE(S)

• "Design never ends. There is no perfection" (James Irvine, 2006).

FAVOURITE BUILDING OR SPACE

The Pantheon, first thing in the morning, with 3 people in it.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Andrew is a fourth year student in the Information Technology program at the School of Interactive Arts and Technology. In 2006, he attended the ItaliaDesign Field School to further expand his understanding of the world around him. By combining his interests in art, culture, design, and technology, he learned that it is possible to integrate these diverse fields and improve the world around us.

CAREER GOALS AND INTERESTS

Andrew has recently been hired as the Academic Advisor for the School of Interactive Arts and Technology, and is looking forward to talking about his experiences on this field school with other students who are interested in attending. In time, he would like to consider graduate school, and pursue a career in the business world.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

Andrew was born in January 1984 in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. In his spare time he enjoys playing and refereeing ice hockey, snowboarding, mountain biking, and boating.