Press Release: Pittsburgh PDMA to Host Regional Premiere of Critically Acclaimed Documentary “Design & Thinking” at New Hazlett Theater on Jan. 29th

Movie event includes a panel discussion following the film and marks the first of more than seven PDMA educational events slated for 2014  

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania – January 22, 2014 – The Pittsburgh Chapter of the Product Development and Management Association (PDMA) will host the regional premiere of critically acclaimed documentary “Design & Thinking” on January 29^th at the New Hazlett Theater. Following the screening, an expert panel of local product developers and designers will provide individual perspectives on the connection between design and new product innovation.

PDMA is dedicated to sharing knowledge and best practices through professional development, education, collaboration, and networking opportunities.  This event will bring together product development professionals, practitioners, academics, service providers, and students to explore the idea of “design thinking” and share experiences.

The “Design & Thinking” reveals design principles through the eyes of businessmen, designers, social change-makers and individuals.  The film examines what design thinking is, how it is applied in business models, and how people are changing the world with their creative minds.

Doors will open at 4:00 pm for networking.  The movie will begin at 5:00 pm.  The panel discussion following the screening will include:  Colburn Jones, Manager of Product Design, Marketing and Product Management at Aesynt; Dino Mariano, Design Director and Senior Industrial Designer at Bally Design; and Eric Anderson, Carnegie Mellon University Associate Professor of Industrial Design, Co-director of the Integrated Innovation Institute, Co-director of the Master of Integrated Innovation for Products and Services (formerly Master of Product Development), Program Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts, Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors of the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), Member of the IDSA Academy of Fellows.  They will engage the audience in thought-provoking conversation design failures, the future of design, and the changing design requirements of business, culture and society.

Throughout the year, PDMA Pittsburgh sponsors educational and social events where individuals can develop new skills, learn best practices, and network with peers.  More than 10 events are scheduled for 2014.  Future topics include open innovation, the use of startup accelerators, branding for changing times, and using Big Data to address customer needs. Product development and design companies are encouraged to participate in PDMA events throughout the year.   This results in professional growth for individuals, an innovation-related competitive advantage for their enterprises, and the continued economic growth of the Western Pennsylvania Region.

To learn more about the “Design & Thinking” movie event and other upcoming Pittsburgh Chapter events, log onto www.pdma.org.

About PDMA Pittsburgh

The Product Development and Management Association (PDMA) is a professional association dedicated to improving the effectiveness of individuals and organizations involved with product development, product management, and innovation.  The association’s mission is to improve the effectiveness of individuals and organizations in product development and management by providing resources for professional development, information, collaboration and promotion of new product development and management.  The Pittsburgh Chapter is dedicated to the continued to growth of a strong network of local product developers and managers while providing leadership to the next generation.

                                                                                      

Media contact:    

Andi Durkota

412-855-8687

pghpdma@pdma.org

 Download the Press Release: http://www.slideshare.net/PDMApittsburgh/pdma-pgh-news-release-final3-012214