Design the soul of tactical solutions

FACEBOOK, Apple, Google and Airbnb have something in common.

They’ve all been clients of global creative agency, Ueno, originally launched in Reykjavík by Haraldur Thorleifsson, and now Ballarat’s about to experience this innovative Icelandic touch.

As part of Melbourne business and creativity festival, Pause Fest, Mr Thorleifsson will present at the Art Gallery of Ballarat on Monday, 3 February about all things branding and his area of expertise.

When asked to describe what he does, Mr Thorleifsson’s simple answer was, “I make apps and websites.

“That’s probably how my dad would answer that question,” he said. “But while that’s factually true I think it tells a very small part of the story.

“I think my job, at its best, helps people feel connected, to bring feeling to what many people think of as lifeless things.”

When Ballarat attends his talk, Mr Thorleifsson hopes they take away the notion that technology “can and should make you feel something.

“It doesn’t need to be bland or boring… It can help us be more human, not less,” he said.

“I’m hoping I can help them think a little bigger about what is possible if we think about technology differently.

“This will be my first time in Australia. I’m looking forward to seeing the country and meeting the people.”

He loves collaborating daily with clever, dedicated creators and groups who make technology “feel human.

“I get to work with some of the most innovative companies in the world and I get to help them bring new ideas to the world. I think that’s pretty special.”

In the changing, contemporary, globalised society, Mr Thorleifsson said design is very important.

“Design to me is the soul we add to our tactical solutions. It’s the practical version of art.

“It can inspire and elevate the mundane, it can add emotion to something that would otherwise be just a thing,” he said.

Tickets are available at pausefestballarat2020.eventbrite.com.au.