Technology: Love it or hate it? Tell Forward!

1) In what you've seen, do you believe the technology architects use in the workplace works WITH design as one, or SERVES design?

WITH design. Technology employed by architects works as part of the collaborative process
SERVES design. Technology is a tool, not a "partner."
BOTH, WITH and SERVES design. It's both!
NEITHER

2) Is design technology moving too slowly, too quickly, or just about the right speed?

Too quickly!
Too slowly
Just the right speed

3) When changes in design technology occur—such as the shift from hand-drafting techniques to CAD, software upgrades, new implementation models and paradigms, general office equipment changes—do such changes result in overall progress or does the time and trouble to retrain employees and get consultants on the same track hinder progress?

Progress—it’s a good thing. The end-result is overall progress in the long run.
Too much is too much! Co-workers who still can’t use CAD or the plotter and consultants who refuse to upgrade their software are major problems that we should slow down for!
Both: “Two steps forward, and one step back!” Progress is good, but it comes with a significant cost.

4) Are architects acting as leaders in design technology, or are we trailing behind other kinds of designers?

Leaders - Architects are blazing trails when it comes to employing technology in design.
Followers - Architects are behind compared to other fields that employ design technology (such as engineering, product/industrial design, and so forth).
A little of both - Sometimes follows, sometimes leaders, architects are nonetheless actively engaged in progressing design technology.
Neither - We’re failing to lead or to adequately follow as collaborators or teammates in the broader design community.

Additional comments?
Share your specific thoughts! Email nac@aia.org with your thoughts, name, and location.

Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions! We'll post stats and responses next time in January, 2009.