John Maeda from MIT Media Lab is demoing an interesting new initiative at AIGA called OpenStudio. At its most basic, OpenStudio is a streamlined set of java-based online design apps.  John is interested in the idea of simplifying and democratizing creative tools, arguing that most of the functionality in photo editing and drawing software is rarely used. The idea is a reaction to the packaged software model (think Photoshop) which traps the user into a expensive cycle of upgrades and feature bloat.

More importantly, the OpenStudio notion is about creating a solution that is "network" from the core. Sharing and collaboration are built in, as is the ability for the online community to add functionality over time. These "plug ins" will be available through a mini trading economy that is being built around the tool. The promotional card, distributed at AIGA, offered a unique code that will give users $100 "Burak" Dollars when OpenStudio debuts in October. Users will be able to use Buraks to trade in this creative economy.

Posted by Troy Young