London's Design Museum is hosting a special exhibition focusing on new industrial technologies, including 3D printing, and the future of design. It runs until October 29th. Since its founding in 1989 as the world's first museum of contemporary design, the museum has been a pioneer in shaping industrial design, including fashion, graphics, and products, in modern society. This exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Technology Strategy Board, a British organization dedicated to promoting economic development through new technologies. Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are greeted by a neon sign reading the exhibition's title logo, "THE FUTURE IS HERE," illuminating the ceiling. The "IS" in the center alternates between flashing and "WAS," suggesting that the innovations seen in this exhibition will eventually become commonplace and then fade into the past. In the center, 3D-printed dresses, lamps, vases, sunglasses, and toys are displayed alongside videos of the production process and actual printers. Furniture such as chairs and industrial parts are also included, demonstrating the broad potential of 3D printing. Exhibits like "mi adidas," which uses 3D printers to allow consumers to customize products by selecting the color and shape of shoes online, and "MKiEs.me," which uses a similar method to create and purchase original dolls, suggest the expansion of personalization businesses driven by new technologies. The museum also features "The Future is Here Factory," the museum's first "factory" where visitors can experience the production process using 3D printers and other technologies. With the assistance of staff, visitors can enjoy designing and modeling on a computer, witnessing firsthand how new technologies are blurring the boundaries between designers, producers, and consumers and dramatically increasing production speeds. Further inside, the results of a national survey on future technology, conducted in collaboration with British research firm Ipsos MORI, are printed on the wall. Responses to questions such as "Do you think we can stop the future if we want to?" and "Once 3D printers become widespread, do you think everyone will start making their own guns?" are displayed in graphs. The exhibition will not only highlight the benefits and possibilities of industrial development, but also raise questions about the issues we will likely face in the future.

Other examples of sustainable products on display include "In Cycle" (Puma), shoes made from materials that biodegrade in the soil, and the "Optimist Toaster" (Agerncy of Design), a toaster designed for lifelong maintenance and a timeless, simple design. The entire venue will raise questions about technology, design, and our future.


[Event Information]
"THE FUTURE IS HERE: A NEW INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION"
Venue: Design Museum London
Address: 28 Shad Thames, London
Dates: July 24th to October 29th, 2013
Opening Hours: 10:00am - 5:45pm (last entry at 5:15pm)
Admission Fee: £11.75