Women designers and the making of a modern General Motors
An examination of the important role women have played in the last half century of design at General Motors.
Design
Latest in Design
Maker Faire Detroit 2015 in pictures
On July 25 and 26 at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, the sixth-annual Maker Faire Detroit featured around 300 makers who interacted with thousands of attendees through exhibits, events, and talks. Photographer Doug Coombe was present to document the happenings.
The return of the pre-fab home
Millennials looking to buy their first homes and Boomers looking to downsize find factory-built or manufactured housing to be a good alternative that offers affordable, sturdy and green living.
The Robot Garage, an educational fun spot for kids, to open third location in Grosse Pointe Park
The Robot Garage uses Legos and building toys to stoke children's creativity and interest in math, science, and engineering.
An artist’s argument for STEAM education
It would be a shame if kids with a passion for art were somehow led to believe that there is not a place for them in the world of science, technology, and innovation, argues designer and inventor Curt Bailey, which is why he believes it important to insert an 'A' for arts into the STEM acronym.
10 essential networks for metro Detroit creatives
Whatever role you play in the creative economy, an abundance of local networks and resources exists to support you. Here are 10 especially good ones.
Check out these techs. Google Demo investors will.
Three Detroit-area tech startups have won a chance to pitch their companies to investors lined up by Google and looking for business ideas to put their money behind. After competing last week in the Grand Circus Detroit Google Demo Day competition, the founders of AdAdapted, GENOMENON and LevelEleven, are hoping to be picked to visit Google’s California HQ in April and spill to investors what’s promising about their companies. One or two will make the cut to make the trip to Mountainview, Calif. Excerpt: “We’re very impressed by the talented entrepreneurs and innovative companies in the Detroit area. Google for Entrepreneurs partners with organizations like Grand Circus to help these local communities of entrepreneurs grow and thrive,” said John Lyman, head of partnerships and marketing for Google for Entrepreneurs. Read more about these little companies that could here.
Rochester’s Trent Design rebrands to Trent Creative, grows
Trent Design is in the final stages of rebranding itself as Trent Creative, a move the boutique branding firm will execute later this month. "We do more than design," says Marilyn Trent, principal of Trent Creative. "Our current clients know that but when we talk to new prospects it can be limiting." The Rochester-based company, it also has an office in Midtown Detroit, has hired two people in design and client services over the last year. It currently employs six people and the occasional intern. It is also looking to hire two more people in software development and marketing. Trent launched what will soon become Trent Creative 23 years ago. It has focused on design work for most of its life but recently moved into offering more comprehensive branding services. The firm's work for Art X Detroit was also recently chosen as one of the 350 best designs in the U.S. in the 2014 Regional Design Annual representing the best in the Midwest. While awards like that may not directly translate into more business it is another feather the company can put in its cap when pitching new clients. "It gives us credibility and respect," Trent says. Trent Creative also plans to become more engaged in work in the greater downtown Detroit area. It is currently working with Midtown Detroit Inc and M-1 Rail to help encourage people to continue to do business in the neighborhood while construction of the trolley line is going over the next 18 months. "We want to continue to help people keep shopping and doing business on Woodward as we keep building this wonderful rail," Trent says. Source: Marilyn Trent, principal of Trent Creative Writer: Jon Zemke
Troy-based Grid opens Denver, Hawaii offices, hires 8 people
Grid is wrapping up quite a year of growth in 2014. The Troy-based technology consulting company has practically doubled in size, hiring eight people in software and strategy. It also opened up two more offices in Denver and Hawaii. It now has four offices across the U.S. after launching in 2008. "We have been doubling every year so far," says Paul Tibbert, CEO of Grid. "We have seen steady growth even through the downturn." Grid is a technology and design firm that specializes in integrating new innovations in the work space. Over the last year it has expanded its work with big multi-national corporations like Chrysler and smaller local firms, like Northville-based Institute for Multi-Sensory Education. That has allowed it to hire eight people, expanding its staff to 30 employees and five interns. It is also looking to add a few more jobs now. "We're always looking for software and graphic designers," Tibbert says. "There is always an open door to anyone with that talent." Grid also runs an internship program with Kettering University. The program brings a handful of students into the company’s offices each year, and Grid is looking to expand that to include more local universities in 2015. "Schools like Kettering are producing really talented people," Tibbert says. Source: Paul Tibbert, CEO of Grid Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.
Maker Faire Detroit 2015 in pictures
On July 25 and 26 at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, the sixth-annual Maker Faire Detroit featured around 300 makers who interacted with thousands of attendees through exhibits, events, and talks. Photographer Doug Coombe was present to document the happenings.
The return of the pre-fab home
Millennials looking to buy their first homes and Boomers looking to downsize find factory-built or manufactured housing to be a good alternative that offers affordable, sturdy and green living.
The Robot Garage, an educational fun spot for kids, to open third location in Grosse Pointe Park
The Robot Garage uses Legos and building toys to stoke children's creativity and interest in math, science, and engineering.
An artist’s argument for STEAM education
It would be a shame if kids with a passion for art were somehow led to believe that there is not a place for them in the world of science, technology, and innovation, argues designer and inventor Curt Bailey, which is why he believes it important to insert an 'A' for arts into the STEM acronym.
10 essential networks for metro Detroit creatives
Whatever role you play in the creative economy, an abundance of local networks and resources exists to support you. Here are 10 especially good ones.
Check out these techs. Google Demo investors will.
Three Detroit-area tech startups have won a chance to pitch their companies to investors lined up by Google and looking for business ideas to put their money behind. After competing last week in the Grand Circus Detroit Google Demo Day competition, the founders of AdAdapted, GENOMENON and LevelEleven, are hoping to be picked to visit Google’s California HQ in April and spill to investors what’s promising about their companies. One or two will make the cut to make the trip to Mountainview, Calif. Excerpt: “We’re very impressed by the talented entrepreneurs and innovative companies in the Detroit area. Google for Entrepreneurs partners with organizations like Grand Circus to help these local communities of entrepreneurs grow and thrive,” said John Lyman, head of partnerships and marketing for Google for Entrepreneurs. Read more about these little companies that could here.
Rochester’s Trent Design rebrands to Trent Creative, grows
Trent Design is in the final stages of rebranding itself as Trent Creative, a move the boutique branding firm will execute later this month. "We do more than design," says Marilyn Trent, principal of Trent Creative. "Our current clients know that but when we talk to new prospects it can be limiting." The Rochester-based company, it also has an office in Midtown Detroit, has hired two people in design and client services over the last year. It currently employs six people and the occasional intern. It is also looking to hire two more people in software development and marketing. Trent launched what will soon become Trent Creative 23 years ago. It has focused on design work for most of its life but recently moved into offering more comprehensive branding services. The firm's work for Art X Detroit was also recently chosen as one of the 350 best designs in the U.S. in the 2014 Regional Design Annual representing the best in the Midwest. While awards like that may not directly translate into more business it is another feather the company can put in its cap when pitching new clients. "It gives us credibility and respect," Trent says. Trent Creative also plans to become more engaged in work in the greater downtown Detroit area. It is currently working with Midtown Detroit Inc and M-1 Rail to help encourage people to continue to do business in the neighborhood while construction of the trolley line is going over the next 18 months. "We want to continue to help people keep shopping and doing business on Woodward as we keep building this wonderful rail," Trent says. Source: Marilyn Trent, principal of Trent Creative Writer: Jon Zemke
Troy-based Grid opens Denver, Hawaii offices, hires 8 people
Grid is wrapping up quite a year of growth in 2014. The Troy-based technology consulting company has practically doubled in size, hiring eight people in software and strategy. It also opened up two more offices in Denver and Hawaii. It now has four offices across the U.S. after launching in 2008. "We have been doubling every year so far," says Paul Tibbert, CEO of Grid. "We have seen steady growth even through the downturn." Grid is a technology and design firm that specializes in integrating new innovations in the work space. Over the last year it has expanded its work with big multi-national corporations like Chrysler and smaller local firms, like Northville-based Institute for Multi-Sensory Education. That has allowed it to hire eight people, expanding its staff to 30 employees and five interns. It is also looking to add a few more jobs now. "We're always looking for software and graphic designers," Tibbert says. "There is always an open door to anyone with that talent." Grid also runs an internship program with Kettering University. The program brings a handful of students into the company’s offices each year, and Grid is looking to expand that to include more local universities in 2015. "Schools like Kettering are producing really talented people," Tibbert says. Source: Paul Tibbert, CEO of Grid Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.
