Chris Cornejo, Strategy Director at Design Center, on Fast Trucks, Timeless UX, and Everyone's Favorite Rodent
1. Who is the one person, living or dead, in your profession who you most admire?
Dieter Rams. Ten principles for good design is something I go back to at least annually that inspires me to keep focused on the elements of design that matter most—“good design makes a product useful” is probably my favorite of the group. In many ways, he was doing UI/UX back when it was analog buttons and dials.
2. What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were 22? OR, what advice would you give to a young(er) person who wants to do what you do?
Nobody is sure. And if they are, they are probably wrong. Find people that you think have it all figured out and start asking them questions—you may be surprised at how much they are willing to fess up to just making it up as they go.
3. What would you do (or pursue) if money were no object?
If money were no object and I was more patient, I would move back to Canada to get an apprenticeship at Headquake137. After Rick and I geeked on on RC cars for a while, I would try and get him to record some songs with me on his four-track.
4. What’s your favorite desktop/office item?
I was going to say pen and paper, but if I am being honest, it’s my mouse. Point and click. The form factor may have evolved, but since 1984 I have been using essentially the same piece of technology to communicate with computers—which, for better or worse, is the core of everything I have done professionally.
5. What website other than the major social, search, and news sites, do you have bookmarked?
I stumbled upon thefutur.com last year by listening to an episode with Errol Gerson. I had never heard of Mr. Gerson or The Futur, but finished inspired in a way that I had not felt since college.
From Dieter Rams, Ten Principles of Good Design
Chris Cornejo is further evidence that every great designer is also a great strategist. As Strategy Director for Design Center, he ensures that each of their digital transformations is informed by empathy and shaped by insight.
