This is a particularly exciting time to be involved with broadcast design, because we get to look to a future where the sky is literally the limit.
What’s going to be happening—and in fact is already happening—is that the technology will allow the average designer to tap into advanced techniques that used to be reserved for the elite. It was mostly these techs and designers on the high-end paintbox systems who were able to accomplish the boldest new graphics.
But all of that experimentation that was once limited to expensive technology is starting to land on the typical desktop. Few used to be able to afford it. It was reserved for the few jobs with tremendous budgets, but now it’s increasingly open to everybody. And as we move into the future, that opening is only going to get bigger.
You’re going to start seeing more and more experimentation with high-end 3-D, and interesting 3-D environments. What I’m enjoying seeing is that it’s already pushing the edge of what’s being done. Things used to have to be flat because you couldn’t afford the budget of a 3-D space. That’s no longer the case.
Macintosh and the increasing strength of the desktop platform are going to be key in any future technological leaps. The power of these machines keeps rising. And as it does, so too does the flexibility it gives designers in creating some fantastic design. The chips in these computers are getting more powerful and the price point remains low. That’s an exciting combination.
What’s especially great about it is that it can keep companies on the cutting edge without having to cut salaries. Most importantly, it gives designers the freedom to experiment and let their imaginations flow freely. If technology doesn’t ultimately make your product more creative, flexible and exciting, then it’s not going to last. Fortunately, the future looks like it’s going to bring advances in broadcast design that push the edge of the envelope—and beyond.
