Meet Julian Scaff | Interaction Designer, Professor, and Futurist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julian Scaff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julian, why did you pursue a creative career?
Throughout my life, I have always been drawn to art, design, and science—a trinity of interwoven disciplines that dances at the edges of human understanding and creativity. While art and design go hand in hand, the application of science principles to creative pursuits is less common. In the interplay of these fields, I found not just a career, but a calling that resonates with my true self. I am an artist by nature, attuned to the nuances of color and form; a designer, seeing not just what is, but what could be; and a scientist, eternally fascinated by the how and the why of the universe.

I’m fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a hunger for knowledge where each day is a quest for discovery and an opportunity to explore new horizons and invent what has yet to be imagined. In my work and as a teacher, I revel in being both an explorer and a mapmaker.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My design work intricately weaves together the disciplines of human-computer interaction (HCI), human factors engineering, and futurecasting to create innovative solutions that push the boundaries of technology and user experience. I have worked on aerospace projects, such as the intricate command and control software for spacecraft used in mission control centers, and the controls for a lunar utility vehicle designed for operation in extremely harsh environments on the Moon and Mars. This work not only demands continuously learning new technologies, but also having a deep understanding of human behavior and psychology. By integrating principles of HCI and human factors engineering, my designs ensure that people on Earth and in space can operate interfaces safely and efficiently.

As a futurist, my role extends beyond the confines of current technology to helping clients envision and strategize for the future. This involves developing strategic foresight to bridge business strategy with innovative product and service design, ensuring that companies remain at the forefront of their industries. By applying my expertise in HCI and human factors engineering, I ensure that future products are not only technologically advanced but also human-centered and environmentally sustainable, prioritizing safety, efficiency, ease of use, and minimizing our carbon footprint. This holistic approach to design considers the rapidly evolving relationship between humans and technology, anticipating the needs and challenges of tomorrow’s users, and recognizing that we all play a role in solving the climate crisis. Whether working on consumer software and hardware products or pioneering aerospace technologies, my design philosophy centers on creating solutions that seamlessly integrate into human lives, helping us live harmoniously within ecological boundaries, and opening new horizons for exploration and innovation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Our week-long road trip is a beautifully curated journey through some of California’s most iconic and spiritually enriching landscapes, starting from the historic city of Pasadena. We begin with a visit to the ArtCenter College of Design Gallery, where we’ll find a mind-blowing range of student work in art, photography, automotive design, interaction design, product design, furniture design, game design, film and animation, and many other fields. After immersing ourselves in the future of art and design, we enjoy the Mediterranean flavors of Eden Garden Bar and Grill in Pasadena, where we’ll dine on exquisite Lebanese cuisine on a charming private terrace.

From Pasadena, our journey takes us east to the mystical landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park. En route, we stop at Arriola’s Tortilleria in Indio to pick up hand-made tamales. Cooking our tamales on an open fire under the vast, starlit sky, we’ll camp amidst the park’s iconic Joshua trees and granite boulders and watch the Perseid Meteor Shower—an annual celestial event in August that puts on a spectacular show.

The next leg of our trip escalates to the extremes of Death Valley National Park, where we’ll marvel at some of the hottest, driest, and lowest points in North America. This stark, yet stunning landscape offers breathtaking views and unique geological formations. Then, contrast the arid beauty of Death Valley with the lush, towering groves of Sequoia National Park. Here, we’ll stand in awe of the immense sequoias, the largest trees on Earth.

We conclude our transformative journey at the serene Esalen Institute in Big Sur, perched on the rugged coastal cliffs of the Pacific. This final stop offers a peaceful retreat into meditation and yoga, accompanied by the therapeutic embrace of natural hot springs. Esalen’s commitment to organic, farm-to-table fare will nourish our bodies and souls, perfectly encapsulating the essence of our Californian road trip. This itinerary promises adventure, discovery, and rejuvenation.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shout-out to ArtCenter College of Design, a world-class institution of creativity, innovation, and excellence in art and design education. Nestled at the intersection of imagination and practicality, it fosters an environment where aspiring artists and designers can flourish, pushing the boundaries of traditional forms and thinking. With its incredible faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and a curriculum that emphasizes real-world hands-on experience, ArtCenter cultivates a culture of relentless creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. As the Associate Chair of the Master in Interaction Design program, I have the opportunity to teach and mentor students who are actively inventing the future.

Website: https://futurplex.com

Instagram: @jhscaff

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jscaff/

Other: https://www.artcenter.edu/academics/graduate-degrees/interaction-design/overview.html

Image Credits
Photos of Julian Scaff by Julian Scaff at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California. February, 2024.