Lifetime Achiever

February 8, 2010

I recently visited the exhibit Design USA: Contemporary Innovation at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.  Although I had been meaning to make it to this exhibit for awhile, I was really trying to find something a little different.  February is National Black History Month, and I was looking for something to participate in that would correlate with this celebration.  My search came up short.

My visit to Design USA was perfectly timed, though.  Finishing the first section of the exhibit, I stopped at a display for the 2008 National Design Awards Lifetime Achievement winner.  His name was Charles Harrison, and he was an industrial designer for Sears, Roebuck & Company for over 30 years during which he designed approximately 750 consumer products.  He was described as one of the first African Americans to enter the industry in the early 1960’s.

To be honest, his race was of little interest to me at this point because I was enlightened by his perspective on design and the way he succinctly practiced what he preached.  This is the type of person that I feel is the right kind of role model for aspiring designers.  I listened to an interview with Mr. Harrison where he spoke about his desire and belief in making design an obtainable part of everyday life for all people.  I had heard people share similar perspectives in the past, however a general lack of action typically followed.  The fact that this incredibly talented designer, who could have easily found success pursuing more prestigious avenues, devoted his career to improving the lives of Joe Consumer by designing for Sears is incredibly inspiring.

Of course there will always be hierarchy in our lives, but the belief that design can be used as a tool for the improvement and advancement of society at all levels and not simply for the wealthy is a concept that I feel we should all embrace.  Considering the challenges we face in today’s world, design should be used as a powerful catalyst for social change and not merely as something to lust over.  That being said, it makes me feel good to know there is someone like Charles Harrison who will continue to inspire people by walking the walk and not just talking the talk.