NavigationArts sponsors "Breathe Creativity" by AIGA DC

MCLEAN, VIRGINIA, April 5, 2007 — As part of its continuing focus on creativity in Web design and communication, NavigationArts recently sponsored the "Breathe Creativity" event held in downtown Washington, DC. Organized by the DC Chapter of the American Institute for Graphic Arts (AIGA DC) and hosted by the Human Rights Campaign Equality Center, the Tuesday, March 27th event was sold out to over 120 attendees. Featured speaker Courtney Ferrell, of the creativity and innovation consultancy Play (www.lookatmorestuff.com), used anecdotes and audience participation to illustrate methods for fostering a creative mindset.

Not surprising given her company's URL, one method Ferrell recommended to the mostly art-director group in attendance was stepping outside a regular routine dominated by design-oriented activities. Many in the audience, for example, indicated that they subscribe to design publications; very few, however, subscribe to publications unrelated to design. Creativity, the speaker followed up by saying, can benefit or even arise from varied input and disruptive experiences. Though it's difficult under deadline pressure, performing a seemingly unrelated task may prove the most valuable use of time in a creative project.

As part of its sponsorship, NavigationArts had the opportunity to briefly address the audience prior to Ferrell's interactive session. User Experience Director Natalie Buda briefly outlined the user experience consultancy's services and announced that NavigationArts is currently seeking a Creative Director to be responsible for the voice and direction of design at the company.

About NavigationArts

NavigationArts is a strategic user experience consultancy that provides Internet strategy, usability, information architecture, interface design, and development services. The firm creates exceptional online user experiences that drive business value for communications and commerce.

About AIGA DC

AIGA DC is the Washington, DC chapter of AIGA, the professional association for design. AIGA is the place design professionals turn to first to exchange ideas and information, participate in critical analysis and research and advance education and ethical practice. It sets the national agenda for the role of design in its economic, social, political, cultural and creative contexts. AIGA is the oldest and largest membership association for professionals engaged in the discipline, practice and culture of designing.

About Play and Courtney Ferrell

Play (www.lookatmorestuff.com) is a creative consulting company that partners with corporations to develop business solutions in the areas of brand, strategy, products, culture and leadership. Play's clients include GE, General Mills, Timberland, Target, Ford Motor Company, and JPMorgan Chase. Play's methodology is a powerful style of creative problem solving. It's a mindset. It's suspending traditional thought processes in favor of possibilities. Play is about creating better ideas faster and enjoying the process along the way.

Courtney Ferrell, "No. 17" in Play's title language, would be a Senior Vice President if Play used run-of-the-mill titles.