Free Time Industries: Seattle Design Festival vs. London Design Festival

Obviously, it is very unfair to compare the two festivals too much. London’s Design Festival draws about 350,000 visitors and is on its ninth year, and this is Seattle’s first stab at a design festival. London has committed to become the design capitol of the world, and I don’t think Seattle even knows what it wants to commit to. Oh and London is London.

It is interesting however that Seattle has decided to hold the festival during the exact same week as London, which is setting itself up for a little comparison. Right?

It is my sincere hope that the Pacific Northwest can come together and figure out a way to carve out our own niche event that, at least, strives to equal quality of the London Design Festival.

From my quick and dirty comparison, I have four suggestions:

1. Create a fund to invest in more installations.
2. Hire a cutting edge graphic design/ creative strategy team.
3. Get more technology minded designers involved (on the board and in the events).
4. Have a curated exhibit showcasing local design.

INSTALLATIONS:
Seattle
BUOYANCY:
Installation by Jay Atherton and Cy Keener