Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1436094
DECEMBER 2021 I DESIGN007 MAGAZINE 11 magnetic field theory. Cherie Litson explains why much of PCB design involves the art of applying the science correctly, while staying within constraints and budgets. Chris Young has a great feature on the need for symme- try—and asymmetry—in PCB designs, and how a well-designed PCB draws our eyes into the focal points of the layout. Vince Mazur delves into the need for an art- ist's touch in design for manufacturing, and why it's human nature to prefer a pleasing form as well as function. Tomas Chester points out that for all the focus on EDA tools, the best tool is still the designer and the designer's knowl- edge of how to mix art and science perfectly. And Tara Dunn explains how so many of the electronic industry's innovations are the result of technologists allowing their creativity to push the existing boundaries to their breaking point. Speaking of breaking points, let's hear it for 2021. It's been quite an improvement over 2020. Last year was a rough one for all of us, but our industry came out of it stronger than ever. Have a great holiday, and I hope to see you on the road next year. DESIGN007 Andy Shaughnessy is managing editor of Design007 Magazine. He has been covering PCB design for 20 years. He can be reached by clicking here. design will be much simpler for every stake- holder downstream to deal with. And if it's an expensive board, rework and repair in the field will be much easier if everything on the board is placed in a logical fashion. e PCB designer reminds me of an old- world painter whose palette contains an ever- changing set of paints. But while Renaissance painters needed only to please their rich patrons, the designers of today must serve a variety of masters: managers, downstream stakeholders, and customers. ey must do so quickly, and without going over budget. So, in this issue, we salute you—the Da Vin- cis of design, the Lombardos of layout, and the Picassos of the PCB! is month, our contributors explore the symbiotic relationship between art and science in PCB design, and why "right brain" input is beneficial for an elegant, robust design. We start off with a conversation with three PCB designers who are all artists in their own right: photographer Charles Pfeil, painter Barry Olney, and sculptor Bill Brooks. ey share their thoughts on the intersection between art and science in PCB design, and why both disciplines are necessary to pro- duce great design. In a separate article, Steph Chavez discusses the move in EDA tools toward more artificial intelligence and the effect this could have on designers' artistic inclinations. Dan Beeker focuses on the art of designing PCBs with an emphasis on electro-