Andy Proehl

Artist, Blogger, Brainstormer, Concerned citizen, Connector, Designer, Foodie, Idea generator

I'm a design nomad. I've spent time as an interaction designer, exhibit designer, information architect, graphic designer and cartographer. I've led design teams at Sony, Yahoo!, Motorola and several startups. When not working, I prefer to be kayaking, hiking or camping in the great outdoors of California. I also create maps as a way to contemplate all that is interesting about our world.

maps, the cathedrals of nature, sleeping under the stars

Cartography, Product Design & Development, User Interface Design

The first TED I went to was TED NYC. New York is a less-than-ideal setting for a conference but It was an amazing experience and I was hooked. Since then I've been to about eight TEDs. One of the things I love most about TED is that the sessions are often punctuated by live music. At first, the music seems tangential to the speakers. But over time, I have come to regard them as critical to the TED experience. After hearing 5 or 6 speakers, your brain is full and you are more likely to forget most of it than remember it. But just when your brain is full, some amazing musician walks on stage and plays something that excites a completely different part of your brain. You relax, and your brain starts making connections with the ideas that you weren't expecting. It all syncs in and you leave for the break both relaxed and inspired. Many people also love the long coffee breaks but I'm an introvert so sometimes they make me nervous.

Being a camp counselor at Camp Okizu, a camp for families dealing with Cancer. Making diagrams.