It is Not All About the Tech or the Art

In any design project, the technology must be correct and in any art project, the work must be captivating. While this is essential for a successful outcome, the author believes that it should be simply considered as the result, which it is assumed will be delivered. This project is the path to this outcome and presents a myriad of other challenges. In this paper, the author looks at two projects, First, the £18 million project to design significant improvements to Belfast’s digital infrastructure; and second, the preparation of a 12-venue series of exhibitions featuring paintings drawn from the heritage of the Huguenots in Ireland. This paper aims to chart the way through the delivery of these two projects, with an approach that focuses on highlighting the core challenges of understanding vision, environment, and culture, describing how these were handled. The unavoidable conclusion is that the activities and skills applied in the two sectors reveal more similarities than differences. In pulling back the curtain, he contradicts the romantic myths of designer geeks and freewheeling artists. This paper will contribute to the world of art and design practically by filling in the existing gaps regarding how to handle large projects. Keywords: technology, art, design, projects