Paul Bennett talks about how the little things in design are the things that can really make an impact, and how the simplest solutions are practical etc. The philosophy behind it is that designing is not always about new ideas and solutions to problems, little things around us that we look past everyday can bring out new opportunities for development. Relating to this Bennett touches on how everyone is actually designing, people design their own experience subconsciously; such as the teabag string around the cup handle. We are using the little things around use to facilitate ourselves, and in a way creating our own design solutions.
Another interesting point mentioned by Bennett is that form is not always the most important thing in design. Designing is not always concentrated on form but rather, other aspects such as practicality, usability etc. But the most important point I think, is that designers often neglect the human element, where human interaction can sometimes overpower the form and aesthetics of a product, where this interaction is the most important thing to consider.
What I also find intriguing is that there is a need for a designer to know the market, to know, to be and live like the people they are designing for. By putting themselves into someone else's shoes there is a whole new level of understanding. For example the designer for IKEA was sitting under tables to understand a child's point of view. Through this they found a different stratum of thinking in children, by understanding this, they were then able to create a storage product more suited to a child.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Product Sketching
Mr Chair
Ludwig Mies van de Rohe, 1927
The Mr Chair captures the essence of simplicity, where a single loop of tubing and a little bit of canvas can produce a striking piece of furniture. I was inspired by this product as it is the result of early experimentation with cantilevered seating and in that time this was an innovative concept.
Thompson Couplings
Glenn Thompson, 2002
I chose this product as it is a revolutionary invention and it was conceived locally; the same type of couplings in machinery have been used for hundreds of years and it has not changed much, but the Thompson Couplings were innovative in ways that increased efficiency and reduced hazards.
Kettle, a-9093
Michael Graves, 1985
Otherwise known as the tea kettle with a bird shaped whistle, the kettle is a product in which encapsulates the relationship between product and user. Even though the bird itself possesses no function, it is the symbolism of the whistling bird which makes the concept genius. With its simple geometry, and the use of colours for example on the handle; the kettle has a personality.
"Michael Hirst" Chair
Clement Meadmore, 1959
Many chairs in the 1950s-60s were constructed by solid pieces, thus yielding potentially bulky pieces of furniture. This chair stripped away all the solid pieces and instead, was replaced by plasticised metal, the material was used probably because of its elasticity and the ability to conform to the user's bodyshape; this may have been a new application of metal rods in the 1950s.
Ludwig Mies van de Rohe, 1927
The Mr Chair captures the essence of simplicity, where a single loop of tubing and a little bit of canvas can produce a striking piece of furniture. I was inspired by this product as it is the result of early experimentation with cantilevered seating and in that time this was an innovative concept.
Thompson Couplings
Glenn Thompson, 2002
I chose this product as it is a revolutionary invention and it was conceived locally; the same type of couplings in machinery have been used for hundreds of years and it has not changed much, but the Thompson Couplings were innovative in ways that increased efficiency and reduced hazards.
Kettle, a-9093
Michael Graves, 1985
Otherwise known as the tea kettle with a bird shaped whistle, the kettle is a product in which encapsulates the relationship between product and user. Even though the bird itself possesses no function, it is the symbolism of the whistling bird which makes the concept genius. With its simple geometry, and the use of colours for example on the handle; the kettle has a personality.
"Michael Hirst" Chair
Clement Meadmore, 1959
Many chairs in the 1950s-60s were constructed by solid pieces, thus yielding potentially bulky pieces of furniture. This chair stripped away all the solid pieces and instead, was replaced by plasticised metal, the material was used probably because of its elasticity and the ability to conform to the user's bodyshape; this may have been a new application of metal rods in the 1950s.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Designing Objects That Tell Stories
Yves talks about how design is very much afraid of change, many innovations relate to the outer layers, appearances etc, rather than the inner structure and technology of products. As designers we need to work towards designing products as a whole and work on the entire process of human experience; by creating new experiences we develop more innovative and interesting objects. In a sense we need to think about designing products from the inside out. Another important aspect of a human experience is what we, as humans base our perceptions and cognitive thinking around; our values. Incorporating values such as environmental and sustainability issues within the design process can also enhance and create new experiences.
An interesting point mentioned was that new design is designing in a humanistic sense, where we fuse together 2 contrasting things - similar to human centered design we need to understand the relationship between work and the world, how the intricate details piece together the world around us; and how we use this relationship to develop new, innovative ideas.
An interesting point mentioned was that new design is designing in a humanistic sense, where we fuse together 2 contrasting things - similar to human centered design we need to understand the relationship between work and the world, how the intricate details piece together the world around us; and how we use this relationship to develop new, innovative ideas.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Organic Design
The video was quite inspiring, the emphasis of reduction in designing has been present in many other design styles however in organic design; but with organic design, reduction is where maximum visual beauty and impact is achieved. There is also a need for greater respect for nature and how organic design relates to this, where such respect concentrates on form.There is also mention on new materials and technology, the emphasis of new materials, bio-polymers for example helps evolve the form of products.
However, what is more interesting is the way we look at nature, how nature creates, manipulates and adapts to the environment. By zooming into the realm of microscopic structures, Ross grasps the essence of creation in nature. Evolution is limitless and as designers, looking into organic design can lead to an ever changing view, where it develops alongside the evolution of nature. In addition, there is no boundaries in creations, as a designer I have the right to dream, to be innovative and come up with ridiculous ideas which are not feasible.
However, what is more interesting is the way we look at nature, how nature creates, manipulates and adapts to the environment. By zooming into the realm of microscopic structures, Ross grasps the essence of creation in nature. Evolution is limitless and as designers, looking into organic design can lead to an ever changing view, where it develops alongside the evolution of nature. In addition, there is no boundaries in creations, as a designer I have the right to dream, to be innovative and come up with ridiculous ideas which are not feasible.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Human Centered Design
The video on human centered design was very interesting, where it mentions the evolution of design; the emphasis on emotional interaction between product and consumer has seen the development of more creative and innovative products with the help of the advances of technology in recent years.
By understanding the aspects of interaction, emotion, behaviours and personality, it broadens the understanding of the relationship between man and machine. As a designer, rather than concentrating on raw aesthetics, though understanding the emotions, behaviours or what not, we can grasp how, without physical interaction a product communicates with the user.
I think it was very interesting where this one man, has created jobs and opportunities in the third world, it has made me consider the aspects we may overlook or take for granted when we design products. It has also given me a greater understanding on our impact in the third world, where something simple may result in dramatic effects.
The application of new technology in the Prada store has also been quite intriguing, by adding features which enhance the experience of the consumer such as the magic mirror or displays which show the products on the runway etc. It promotes a more mellow environment, thus making the consumers more comfortable. I believe that the technology used in the Prada store could be what shopping is like in the near future.
Through watching the video it is clear that working at a design firm is no common office job, but there are things in which we have to consider and discuss throughout the design process, human centered design is one of many important aspects in which we have to cover; and by doing so we would create products which are stylish, innovative and enhance life.
By understanding the aspects of interaction, emotion, behaviours and personality, it broadens the understanding of the relationship between man and machine. As a designer, rather than concentrating on raw aesthetics, though understanding the emotions, behaviours or what not, we can grasp how, without physical interaction a product communicates with the user.
I think it was very interesting where this one man, has created jobs and opportunities in the third world, it has made me consider the aspects we may overlook or take for granted when we design products. It has also given me a greater understanding on our impact in the third world, where something simple may result in dramatic effects.
The application of new technology in the Prada store has also been quite intriguing, by adding features which enhance the experience of the consumer such as the magic mirror or displays which show the products on the runway etc. It promotes a more mellow environment, thus making the consumers more comfortable. I believe that the technology used in the Prada store could be what shopping is like in the near future.
Through watching the video it is clear that working at a design firm is no common office job, but there are things in which we have to consider and discuss throughout the design process, human centered design is one of many important aspects in which we have to cover; and by doing so we would create products which are stylish, innovative and enhance life.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Good Design
Tatung Wireless VOIP Phone
Designer: Nova Design Co., Ltd. (Taiwan) -- http://www.e-novadesign.com/
Manufacturer: Tatung Co. (Taiwan)
Credentials: Gold Award, iF Product Design Award, 2008
..................Silver Award, International Design Excellence Awards, 2008
Nova design has diverged from the general trend of sophistication in terms of functionality, by sticking to the philosophy of reductionism, they have taken a step back, and stripped away the various functions in which many of today's 'smart phones' carry; while doing this Nova, has also incorporated new technologies to the design of the VOIP phone. The jurors for the iF Product Design Award have noted "Not only does this phone look good, it also makes you smile".
The reductionist theme extends to the shape, where the block-like design emotes simplicity. The product is one case in which the form, the simple geometric shape with a stubby faux antenna is a representation of it simply being a wireless phone; unlike many of today's mobile phones, where they are mostly square blocks, the antenna gives the product the image of what is considered retro by the designers; taking the generic shape of the first phones.
Nova has provided the VOIP phone with a simple interactive interface, with the use of thermal sensors, buttons illuminate with the touch of a finger; such simplicty also enables easy usability for the product. Round edges were incorporated to enhance comfortable use for the user as well as to soften the image of the product. The overall shape and original colour, black, makes the VOIP phone a somewhat discreet product - whereby with the added option of changing the colours or even adding patterns to the front cover, it will surely liven up its presence. The polished metal finish on the back creates an "iPhone-esque" harmony between the two colours of front and back, be it black or other vibrant colours such as pink. The phone is easy on the eyes with its bold shape, it was clear to the designers that functionality and ergonomics were crucial components of the design criteria.
More information on the Tatung Wireless VOIP Phone:
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/07/0717_idea_winners/26.htm?chan=search
http://www.e-novadesign.com/project_story.aspx?WebType=3&LeftImgID=32&sqno=68&RowNo=3
http://www.idsa.org/IDEA_Awards/gallery/2008/award_details.asp?ID=678
Designer: Nova Design Co., Ltd. (Taiwan) -- http://www.e-novadesign.com/
Manufacturer: Tatung Co. (Taiwan)
Credentials: Gold Award, iF Product Design Award, 2008
..................Silver Award, International Design Excellence Awards, 2008
Nova design has diverged from the general trend of sophistication in terms of functionality, by sticking to the philosophy of reductionism, they have taken a step back, and stripped away the various functions in which many of today's 'smart phones' carry; while doing this Nova, has also incorporated new technologies to the design of the VOIP phone. The jurors for the iF Product Design Award have noted "Not only does this phone look good, it also makes you smile".
The reductionist theme extends to the shape, where the block-like design emotes simplicity. The product is one case in which the form, the simple geometric shape with a stubby faux antenna is a representation of it simply being a wireless phone; unlike many of today's mobile phones, where they are mostly square blocks, the antenna gives the product the image of what is considered retro by the designers; taking the generic shape of the first phones.
Nova has provided the VOIP phone with a simple interactive interface, with the use of thermal sensors, buttons illuminate with the touch of a finger; such simplicty also enables easy usability for the product. Round edges were incorporated to enhance comfortable use for the user as well as to soften the image of the product. The overall shape and original colour, black, makes the VOIP phone a somewhat discreet product - whereby with the added option of changing the colours or even adding patterns to the front cover, it will surely liven up its presence. The polished metal finish on the back creates an "iPhone-esque" harmony between the two colours of front and back, be it black or other vibrant colours such as pink. The phone is easy on the eyes with its bold shape, it was clear to the designers that functionality and ergonomics were crucial components of the design criteria.
More information on the Tatung Wireless VOIP Phone:
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/07/0717_idea_winners/26.htm?chan=search
http://www.e-novadesign.com/project_story.aspx?WebType=3&LeftImgID=32&sqno=68&RowNo=3
http://www.idsa.org/IDEA_Awards/gallery/2008/award_details.asp?ID=678
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