John Ball on 40 Years of Design, AI, and the Smithsonian's 'Inaccurate Information' Signs

In a conversation with Design Observer, John Ball, the co-founder of the San Diego design agency MiresBall, reflects on his four-decade-long career. The dialogue was initiated by the Trump administration's directive for "inaccurate information" signage at Smithsonian museums, which brought to mind his 2012 poster series titled "Bittersweet Harvest," focused on immigration. Ball underscores the importance of observation and curiosity in design, arguing that designers should aim to enhance understanding rather than simply persuade. He also shares insights about his current initiative, OneSD, which seeks to bridge political gaps. Additionally, he contrasts the analog methods of the past with modern digital tools and discusses the necessity of critical thinking despite the rise of AI. Ball encourages emerging designers to cultivate curiosity and maintain a broad perspective through observation.