Victor Papanek June 1992 Presentation at Apple Computer - “Microbes in the Tower”

“Microbes in the Tower” In June of 1992, Doris Wells-Papanek, while working at Apple Computer, invited Victor Papanek to share his research on human-centered design and to deliver a talk, which he entitled “Microbes in the Tower.”[2] A two-hour video recording of the presentation shared Victor’s numerous insights, understandings, concerns, and targeted messages. Highlights relating to human-centered design included the DIY learning process, participatory design, ethics, aesthetics, beauty, excellence, and integrity. Papanek began with describing the structure of his talk, “[I will] hand you sort of a series of jigsaw puzzle pieces, turn the whole thing into a do it yourself kit for you, which you can stick together a number of ways, and decide what I talked about.” Victor consciously chose not to offer a scripted lecture, rather an opportunity for the audience to make sense given their interests, learning needs, and context. Victor stressed the importance of designers taking responsibility to en