Chapter 1: The Essence of Creative Design

In the realm of design, many individuals mistakenly believe that achieving 'stunning design' is the pinnacle of creativity. However, it's crucial to remain mindful throughout the creative journey. Neglecting the exploration process can lead to stagnation, becoming what some might call a "designosaur." While artificial intelligence can mimic certain aspects of creativity, it lacks true originality. Even when AI generates analogies, it cannot create itself; its origins lie in human input. Many fail to recognize their potential for creativity. At its core, AI is merely a reflection of human ingenuity.

I’m excited to share a recent addition to my portfolio: a digital assistant I helped develop at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). This mobile application is designed to crowdsource images, reference materials, and various data, streamlining the process on an iPad instead of traditional PDF documents. The application addresses a significant challenge: providing a centralized platform where users can capture, annotate, and share photos, eliminating the need for staff to manage a digital camera, upload images, and manually jot down notes.

To emphasize the point made in my previous entry, the goal here is to quickly generate content. Utilizing 3D models and integrating Google Slides can greatly enhance rapid prototyping. My aim is to create a space that allows as many people as possible to engage with Fine Art before I display a specific painting.

Rethinking Portfolio Navigation

So, when it comes to traditional portfolios, users typically scroll through pages with alternating images on one side and text on the other. They can click to delve deeper into each project, with a navigation menu facilitating lateral movement through different information layers.

Now, let’s briefly discuss the navigation between pages. What you're reading is akin to explaining how to create a basic webpage in the 90s using HTML. However, we’re not leveraging advanced languages like C++ or C# in Unreal or Unity. It's reminiscent of Squarespace emerging before the metaverse languages were fully developed—completely non-interoperable. Accessing Decentraland with a headset requires some technical know-how. If you're unfamiliar with these terms, consider researching them. I’m sharing these thoughts in real-time to gauge responses, rather than crafting a formal research paper. Engage with the worlds; immerse yourself in them.

#### Step Inside My Virtual Office

No, seriously—take a step inside. The link provided alongside the image leads you there.

This link serves as a navigation tool, akin to a button directing users from one website to another, even though it resides within the spatial.io framework. In the coming days, I plan to modify this office into a project-specific page that allows interaction with that world and offers more insights into my contributions. For now, simply introducing this navigational feature suffices.

All of these tools and capabilities are user-friendly. You can easily access the Spatial Interface and start creating.

What Lies Ahead?

I intend to implement an augmented reality entry point via a QR code, allowing users to enter the Metaverse. You’ll soon see a QR Code you can scan, revealing exciting elements in your environment through a portal designed by 8th Wall, guiding you to my Metaverse portfolio. This technology is readily available, and you can utilize your existing skills to achieve it. However, you may need to rethink your notions of good design. I'm not claiming my design is exceptional, but I believe neuroscience suggests that people may prefer my portfolio over traditional formats. Audiences are accustomed to interacting in three dimensions, and the static nature of flat screens can be uninspiring. People want to engage with their environments, not be tethered to their devices.

And I could be mistaken. Who am I to dictate your preferences? Yet, I will ask if you appreciate the convenience of all this being done for you. Do we really need a world filled with designers creating flat experiences? Is there not something more enriching? I certainly hope so.

Expanding the Scope of Design

I aim to take this conversation further. My goal is to revolutionize how we perceive interfaces, making information dynamic rather than static by incorporating concepts from quantum mechanics. What does that mean? Check out this insightful paper. Let’s challenge the status quo in design and move beyond conventional digital forms.

For the record, I didn’t coin the term "designosaur." It appears to have been in circulation at least since 2016.

The first video, "Build Your Immersive Portfolio Using Virtual Worlds," explores innovative methods to enhance your portfolio in the digital realm.

The second video, "Turn Your XR Portfolio into a Job Magnet: Here's How!" provides valuable insights on making your portfolio stand out in the competitive job market.