Autodesk plans to bring its flagship AutoCAD design and engineering software to the Mac for the first time in nearly two decades [...]

Autodesk has announced the latest versions of its Digital Entertainment Creation software for 3D modeling, animation, effects, rendering, compositing, digital sculpting and 3D painting. The 2011 versions offer new features and enhancements that help accelerate workflows and improve interoperability, helping artists to maximize their creativity and optimize their productivity [...]

Want to do design research cheaply and efficiently with participants anywhere in the world? (Of course.) Want to observe real users in their native technology environments, from the comfort of your own desk? (Who doesn’t?) But what software and hardware do you need, and will it actually work?Bolt|Peters’ Cyd Harrell covers the most powerful tools for un-moderated conceptual research, remote screen observation, participant communication, observer involvement, session recording, time-aware tasks, and real-time recruiting. Get the lowdown on UserVue, Acrobat Connect, GoTo Meeting, Loop11, OpenHallway, UserZoom, Optimal Sort, Ethnio, and more [...]

In the midst of a global conversation about change, many designers are pondering their own impact in the world. How does our experience in software interfaces, web sites, and physical products prepare us to address the profound issues humanity is facing? These issues involve many complex systems, systems too big to fit into the scope of any single company or institution. Design methods are potent at large scale and scope, but what does it take to be effective as a practitioner, as a team, as a company? What is it like to actually achieve a meaningful, sustainable, positive difference in life? In this evening of conversation, Marc Rettig will moderate a few discussions about the fundamentals of design work, and the need for designers everywhere to be working to have impact beyond making money for their employers [...]

Autodesk CEO Carl Bass was sure his company would win an Academy Award because Autodesk software was used in every special effects movie [...]

Looking to show off your best assets? Be part of the Autodesk 2010 Animation Show Reel [...]

Tom Wujec presents some surprisingly deep research into the “marshmallow problem” — a simple team-building exercise that involves dry spaghetti, one yard of tape and a marshmallow. Who can build the tallest tower with these ingredients? And why does a surprising group always beat the average? [...]

Autodesk announced the availability of the 2011 AutoCAD software products, including AutoCAD 2011 software, a leading 2D and 3D design and documentation platform, and AutoCAD LT 2011 software for professional 2D drafting and detailing. The latest releases of AutoCAD deliver powerful new features — such as new tools for surface modeling and transparency for objects and layers — that can help designers explore their ideas and maximize productivity [...]

Autodesk has unveiled eight industry-oriented software suites to help students learn core design and engineering skills [...]

Douglas Wang and I recently chatted with Daniel Szuc about design in China today, skills a designer should possess, and challenges and opportunities in working as a designer in Asia [...]