Jim Northover
Since graduating from the LCC way back, I have been working at the coalface of design practice. In 1975 I co-founded LloydNorthover, a company which today works worldwide on brand strategy, communications and experience design.
My own experience has covered most aspects of design and related consultancy, many sectors and quite a few places. I have opened and run offices in London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and the US. A contributor to publications, seminars and conferences round the world, I am on advisory boards at the University of the Arts London, Brunel University Business School, and Zero One digital media skills academy.
The course
Design is constantly in the process of change, and now more than ever. Having made space and time from a relentless schedule, I felt the need for a new perspective, particularly as my work is as much to do with writing and talking, as it is to do with designing in the craft sense of the word. So while continuing to practice, the chance to reflect, develop existing interests and discover new ones was hard to resist.
What I’ve learnt
It’s too early to make a judgment, but this I now know:
- History, culture, writing and critical theory is a big nettle to grasp.
- There are lots more debates about design going on than I ever had time to acknowledge.
- I’ve asked a lot more questions of myself and my practice.
- You need never stop learning. But first you need to stop.
