That extra dimension

Your editorial makes a good point – a background education in one of the 3D disciplines is a good platform from which to branch out into other challenges (Comment, DW 12 March).

For example, to operate really effectively as an industrial designer, you need both breadth and depth of knowledge, and to consistently exercise a high degree of intellectual rigour. The foundations for this are laid at college and built through experience.

Philip Chung (Letters, DW 12 March), refers to the “experience smothering creativity” motion which was rightly voted down. Experience and knowledge provide you with the means to do what you can dream and bring relevance to your ideas – always provided that they don’t conspire to close your eyes and your mind.

The flow of designers from 3D to 2D, for example, from industrial to graphic design, is quite frequent – but it’s a bit of a one-way street. I know of only one person who has successfully made the transition the other way, and that’s my partner Richard Seymour.

And, while I’m on the subject… your editorial refers to us as product design heavyweights, a soubriquet that Richard has grown into while I remain (relatively) trim.

Dick Powell

Seymour Powell

London W14