Design is paramount in the physical world, but what weight does it carry in the digital realm? According to motorcycle designer JT Nesbitt and Jim Jacoby, founder of interactive design firm Manifest Digital, digital design is as important–if not more–as that which we see in the world around us.
Inspired to create an experience in craftsmanship that would inspire his employees, Jacoby sought a partnership with the renowned chopper creator. “We researched JT based on interest in the design breakthroughs on the Confederate Wraight motorcycle [he designed],” Jacoby (pictured below) says. “We became interested in his story [as] we learned about his transition from the motorcycle company to his endeavors as an independent motorcycle and industrial designer.”
[ibimage==19299==Large==none==self==ibimage_align-center]Jacoby’s belief in putting digital design to the same test of craftsmanship that physical products have been held to for centuries leads the charge in his desire to transform designers from artisans into messengers of social responsibility. Beautiful, functional design is at the core of this ideal, which is why Jacoby and Nesbitt set up an externship program to give digital designers exposure to the long-honed world of physical design.
Building such principles may be priceless, but creating three brand-new concept motorcycles certainly isn’t. This project is being funded through Kickstarter, and the ask is a hefty one. The team is asking for $500,000 to build and test the bikes. With 24 days to go, there’s still time to chip in and help this project reach completion.
[ibimage==19300==Large==none==self==ibimage_align-center]The program will take place over the next 12 months in New Orleans, where Nesbitt (pictured above) lives and works. Students are digital designers, coders, and strategists, who will work with Nesbitt to build three brand new motorcycles. These prototypes will aim to set a new standard for motorcycle design for the coming decades.
Participants will learn basic motorcycle creation skills and values that, Jacoby says, translate into pride and responsibility in wielding the “enormous” impact digital design has on our world. Nesbitt’s influence and expertise should instill in the students confidence that they can take back to their normal jobs.
“Designers undeniably shape our world, especially in digital fields, but there is a lack of pride in the craft as has existed in the physical and architectural crafts,” he says. “We need that same level of honor and understanding of responsibility in our world.”
Photos via Kickstarter.
