As the editor-in-chief of Wired, Nick Thompson is working at the forefront of digital innovation—championing tech’s role in making the world a better place. We’re thrilled to have him as a keynote at NeoCon 50 where he will discuss The Wired Future, highlighting the ways tech can enhance our lives. We caught up with Nick to see what he thinks about the future of design, what has influenced his career, and what he likes to do in Chicago.
What will have the biggest impact on the built environment in the near future? In the distant
future?
In both the near and distant future, our ever-evolving relationship to machines will have the biggest impact.
How does design impact our culture?
Design is at the center of nearly everything we see and everything we do.
What current design trend do you hope will go on for a long time?
Openness.
What has had the biggest influence on your work/career?
Working at the New Yorker and watching how everyone did their jobs there.
What makes your work fulfilling?
I love that I get to engage in conversations about technology that really matter.
What’s the most interesting building or space you’ve ever seen or been in? Why?
The MoMA. Any place that can have beautiful areas for kids, for eating, for art, for dance and for hanging helicopters from the ceiling is pretty impressive.
What inspires you when you’re in Chicago?
Chicago is where my grandfather used to live and it's the city he loved. It's also where my sister lives.
What is your favorite thing to do in Chicago?
Ride my bicycle along the lake.
Chicago Lakefront Trail courtesy of Choose Chicago