Erika Hall believes that design is in a crisis. Independent voices with a genuine, long-term interest in solving problems are being driven away from the industry by the pervasive influence of venture capital. The co-founder of San Francisco-based digital agency Mule Design believes we need to change the way we talk about and practice design if we’re to overcome the challenges now and ahead. For Erika, it all starts with research: only by asking critical, objective questions and having principled but loosely-held opinions can design – and technology – help deliver the promise of a brighter future.