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Tuesday 18 October 2011
The story of stuff by Annie Leonardo
Annie Leonardo’s videos and books are internationally controversial being called “an anti-consumerism diatribe” and even “community college Marxism in a ponytail.” This negative critic is due to she realistically portrays our negative way of living.
This clip enlightens us on the material economy process; the extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal of consumer goods, forcing us to realise the social and environmental impacts of the way we are using this process but all so showing us the alternatives to this devastating process.
Annie Leonardo points out that “you cannot run a linear system on a finite planet indefinitely”; in other words to ensure the world stays inhabitable we cannot extract natural resources at an incredible high rate to produce disposable products through a process which has a huge toxic output.
The clip enlightens us on how companies use a products obselence to influence a higher consumer consumption rate. They either use;
-those that are made to have poor durability
-those companies which readily produce new editions to the product and the consumer feels like they need the new version eg apple ipods are a perfect example of this as a new generation is brought onto the market yearly, the difference between new and old being predominantly in the aesthetics.
Leonardo further goes onto portray that the Americans unstable economy relies on this high consumption rate to stay afloat, as seen in cases such as the nine eleven bombings where people were in a state of devastation and stopped buying goods George bush told the population to SHOP. It’s a continual circle of spend money shopping- work to pay debts-spend money shopping ect this life cycle leaves the population having the smallest amount of leisure time in history. This means no down time to indulge in family and friend relationships which impacts greatly on their happiness. Besides from the social impacts of this process the environmental consequences will be fatal to our planet, for example;
· We lose 50,000 acres of trees a day globally to deforestation for the making of our paper, furniture, houses etc.
· In the U.S., each person uses 200 gallons of water on their lawns per day during the growing season.
· It takes 256 gallons of water to produce a single cotton t-shirt.
· The average gold wedding ring creates about 20 tons of hazardous waste
In conclusion she expresses her view that it is great that there are many activists focusing on a small part of the consumer goods lifecycle (e.g. fighting strip mining, hazardous waste disposal, or wasteful transportation of goods). However to make a real change Leonard believes activist in extraction, production, distribution, consumption, and disposal areas need to come together. Although each area can stand alone; each is part of a greater system which must be carefully considered in order to maximize the design’s usability, efficiency, and sustainability.
As a designer this clip made me realize I must not only associate with people from production but all these areas; to truly make a positive impact we must come together to bring around the most successful solutions to the terrible problems our kind has created.
Monday 17 October 2011
Rationale
The use of the recycled posters (polypropylene) and the process of Flat pack packaging were the two focus points of this project, hence I wanted my final solution to utilised, and emphasized the materials key properties but also have a successful minimalistic packaging technique.
I wanted to show that this particular material is ideal to be applied to lighting, and also show that no other material could be used to make this particular light, I feel I accomplished this by goal by utilising the materials ability to hold a folded edge, its memory which allows it to spring from flat packaged form to constructed form and its white side which effectively displays shadows cast by its own structure, the white side’s Soft matt shine also picks up and reflects ambient light which is a gorgeous effect. Rigidity is another key property of this material; I wanted to play with this quality by contrasting it with the softness of cotton thread to create interest within my design.
As this material has so many great qualities I wanted to really ‘show it off’ by using a vast surface area. These large surface areas allowed the posters coloured side to be illuminated through the white side and become a dominate feature. This vast use of material also allows a glow of the posters inside colours glow out the bottom of the lamp.
I didn’t want my design to fall in to the cheap category of lighting for example the flat packet lanterns that can be found in cheap shops or markets which are relatively disposable. I wanted my lamp to be a high end product, that is kept for a long period of time becoming greatly loved and sentimental ect. From researched I found that many of these cheaper lamps were greatly based on origami folding methods and only utilised the single material. This mainstream trend pushed me toward alternate techniques such as fabric manipulation and the introduction of cotton thread as a second material. By straying from the mainstream I hope that my design, though mass produced will have unique essences which will allow my design to stand out from its competitors.
From research I identified a key problem with existing flat packaged products including lights was that they were too complicated and/or time consuming for the consumer, which lead to many consumers having to hire a tradesperson just for assembly. Another problem which I found was that many flat packaged products were near impossible to dismantle and re construct after the original construction. Hence I had a great desire to create a successful, simple packaging process that took up limited space and gave the consumer ease in constructing, deconstructing and re constructing the lamp. This desire lead to the final design being a single component design which through simple folding is easily transformed from packaged form to a constructed light and back again.
Friday 30 September 2011
what is design : Bill Moggridge
This gives us a detailed view into the world of design including the process, the different components of design, the change of the way we design and possible design aspirations in the future which have the ability to educate the population and shape our future society.
Bill starts by showing that everything is designed from the buildings we live in, to the equipment we use to do daily tasks to our gardens, emphasizing the world around us is manmade and reflects our society.
Bill identifies one of designs key components; collaboration. Pointing out collaboration between design components eg physical and digital design and human and subjective and technical and objective design sectors are vital in the creation of successful design. These sectors must play off each other to ensure the design that is being produced is both of a high aesthetical and functional value which will enhance our society. For example graphic design would not be possible without the computer engineers who create the high tech computer programs and buildings which push the limits would not be structurally possible without construction engineers.
The importance of educating the younger generations on design is emphasized through the clip of the first lady. He emphasizes the value of good design and its ability to transform our world into a better place, through educating people (eg. the smart technological globe) or enhancing the ease of tasks (eg. the no change banking system ). In contrast he recognises bad design and its ability to make our life complex and unbelievably frustrating.
The design process is shown and a particular focus is put on the importance of target market research which will ensure the designs we are creating are a reflection of the consumer’s desires. He shows that it is not important of the ordered of the design process (the process is flexible depending on the type of design being created), however it is vital that all components of this process are covered to ensure a successful design is created.
Bill shows that the sky is really the limit when it comes to design. That technology is excelling at an extremely high rate allowing us to create things that were once impossible. These wide boundaries allow us to design systems and products to enhance our society eg the self proscription eye glasses.
It is also shown that Design is changing to a system and technological dominated creating process eg the no change banking system. Also society is becoming increasingly conscious of our imprint on the world hence sustainable processes and material are being more and more used in the modern design process.
Thursday 15 September 2011
Wednesday 14 September 2011
tools project: scissors
I have altered traditional scissors by replacing the handles with a squeeze mechanism which feels much like squeezing a stress ball. The handles of traditional scissors are a great stress point to the user. Traditional scissors handles are restricting (not everyone’s finger fit the holes) and lack of hand support causes great jarring in the palm are hence are highly un-ergonomic . The Squeezing mechanism which I have employed removes the holes allowing no restriction of the fingers and the squeezing mechanism distributes the stress over the entire palm which removes the jarring hence enhances the ease of cutting. Due To the dynamic action of the handle's nylon loop attachment these scissors are ideal for those who have hand problems such as arthritis, weakness or thumb injuries but are also ideal for children learning to cut who cannot manage the finger holes of tradition scissors. By removing the traditional scissor finger holes also means they are not left or right hand specific, allowing for a larger non discriminative target market, this is greatly beneficial as organisations such as households, offices or schools will not have to purchase different scissors for left hander’s.
Besides from the function benefits this product is pleasurable as a result of the incorporation of design element and principles. This includes contrast of smooth silicon organic body shape the sharp ceramic blades, these two elements also highly contrast in colour and texture. Radiation from the sharp point to the volumous bulb forces the eye to move down the design hence create movement which allows the design to have an interesting aesthetics. Also adding interest is the unsymmetrical vertically axis and the unbalanced symmetry of grips creates interest. These grips along with the screw are points of dominance the grips and the screw are interest point which catch the eye.
The squeezing mechanism and bright, soft aesthetic, is appealing as it adds a quirky, funness to cutting, which engages the consumer and stops the feelings of duty or obligation to perform this task.
Materials Used
Ceramic is used for the blades as this material stays sharper for longer. This material is harder then stainless steal hence it can hold an edge longer. Ceramics also retain their like-new appearance better than stainless because they don't pit, rust or corrode, and are lighter than stainless steal.
Silicon rubber is used for the outer shell and also the hand grips. Its soft matt finish is non-irritating on the skin while its high flexural strength, ease of manufacturing and shaping, high tear strength is ideal for the movement of the squeezing mechanism. Polyamide is used for the inside loop as it has good flextrual strength, high resistance to wear and abrasion, good compression strength, good crack resistance.
Premium high density foam; this foam is highly durable being used in many applications that require prolonged use of heavy hence would be ideal for the repetitive motion used in the cutting mechanism.
Friday 19 August 2011
Adam Goodrum’s ‘Stitch’ Chair – The chairs particular bright, quirky aesthetics really drew your eye to the design. The functionality of the folding-up mechanism was also a great feature. This combination of a successful aesthetics and functionality allowed this design to be more appealing than others in the gallery.
why i want to be a designer!
Industrial design
My dad is a carpenter so I grew up amongst numerous reservations, growing up in this building environment defiantly was a trigger to for me to pursue a creative career. I loved seeing a piece of land or a rundown house being changed into a amazing building- seeing trees turn into slabs of timber which were manipulated into beautiful stair cases and gorgeous bench tops. My family really showed me there the beauty of creating something amazing out of near nothing.
I grew up in a small creative community near Byron Bay, the high school I attended was filled with highly creative teachers who provided us with loads of creative opportunities and education which introduced me to the world of creativity. I feel these teachers and the education they provided me with definitely stimulated me to pursue a creative career.
Where I grew up we were constantly outside indulging in team sports, going to beaches, discovering new places, so I love practical things hence I did not want a career which was academically focused; I wanted a career which allowed me to get my hands dirty, and I felt being a industrial designer would allow me to do this.
I believe being a designer is being able to show your creativity, use your imagination, and make things in your mind come to life. I feel letting people discover and indulge in your ideas is something amazing. Having a designer degree is really a door to endless career opportunities. Being an industrial designer in particular allows you to delve into a variety of fields, anything from medical equipment, furnishing, sports equipment you will never get bored. I felt this was perfect for me as love to do a variety of different things and never getting into a particular rut. I could see myself getting bored in may careers however in this particular career if you get over designing one thing you can simply start design a completely different object, where as in many other jobs if you get bored or want to change careers you have to go back to uni get a new degree.
I always pictured myself in a career where I was helping others and through this course there are wide possibilities to change consumer’s experiences hence enhancing our modern society eg. Delve into medical equipment and produce mechanisms which able the disabled to live a normal life.
I chose UNSW to study at as I had heard that industrial design at this particular campus focuses on the creative side of design, which can be seen in design fundamentals in first year semester one.
I’m hoping my Future in design will be colourful- full of creative unique designs which make the consumer smile. I am positive that I will be designing things I love in areas and I am interested in- I do not want to be a designer who simply designs certain things solely for money.
Tuesday 2 August 2011
Human Centred Design
This video focuses on how the consumer experience can be greatly enhanced by human centred design. Human centred design is a process of designing in which starts with analysing the people we are designing for; carefully taking time to analyse the target markets dreams, desires, needs and behaviour. Through taking a particular interest in their specific situation including financial status, living location ect. we gain a thorough understanding of the target market hence can create innovative solutions to meet their needs. ‘looking through the desirability lens’ is the term used for this close target market analysis, ‘It is the lens through which we view the world through the entire design process. Once we have identified the universe of what is Desirable, we begin to view our solutions through the lenses of Feasibility and Viability’ (Human Centered Design, Second Edition) and create designs which work for the consumer.
IDEO use the human centered design process to ensure they create products and environments which truly encompass solutions to the consumer’s needs. Eg IDEO have analyzed a target market interested in the marine environment and realized many desire to experience the magic of scuba diving without getting wet, hence they have created a product that can bring the experience to them.
Through producing designs which suit the consumer it is evident that there is a stronger consumer-product relationship hence the product will be looked after well, last longer which could lead to a more sustainable future.
We see that this strong consumer-product relationship can also be created by allowing the consumer to influence the design eg Ideo allowed to visually express their feelings in The Tube project hence the design becomes more personal therefore interesting to the audience and a connection is created.
It is important for this video to be seen as it provides us with knowledge such as how the success of a design can be increased by the designer putting a particular focus on the consumer desires and needs.
IDEO use the human centered design process to ensure they create products and environments which truly encompass solutions to the consumer’s needs. Eg IDEO have analyzed a target market interested in the marine environment and realized many desire to experience the magic of scuba diving without getting wet, hence they have created a product that can bring the experience to them.
Through producing designs which suit the consumer it is evident that there is a stronger consumer-product relationship hence the product will be looked after well, last longer which could lead to a more sustainable future.
We see that this strong consumer-product relationship can also be created by allowing the consumer to influence the design eg Ideo allowed to visually express their feelings in The Tube project hence the design becomes more personal therefore interesting to the audience and a connection is created.
It is important for this video to be seen as it provides us with knowledge such as how the success of a design can be increased by the designer putting a particular focus on the consumer desires and needs.
This video has taught me that through Human Factors Research; working on generative, evaluative, and experiential research programs we can better understand and develop insights about human behavior in the environment in which people live, work, play, and learn hence create solutions that meet their needs.
Emotional Design
Nobody likes ugly design but should functionality be overridden by the consumer’s desire for a design with a high aesthetics value?
This clip forces us as designers to question ‘should aesthetic value be put over functionality‘. Philippe Starks lemon juicers have had designers and their critics asking this controversial question for years. However hate or love it this design is a symbol of the shift of the consumers priority being one of need to one of want. This shift has caused the increase in high technological products. In this clip Norman forces us to ask is this high technology development enhancing the consumer’s experiences or just complicating simple tasks? Norman makes it obvious that many designers see technology components as the consumers priority hence attempt to use technology as a solution to an array of problems. They also see technology as an easy way to enhance the aesthetic value of a design for example reduce clutter so the design can appear cleaner. Norman emphasizes the incorporation of technology may allow the aesthetics of designs to become enhanced however it does not always provide an enhanced level of functionality. Many critics could argue that functionality can be sacrificed for a pleasing aesthetics however in relation to design areas like car design where lives are at stake function must come before aesthetics time and time again.
From this clip I have learnt that the aesthetics of a design is valued so highly that many are willing to settle for an unfunctional design over an ugly design. It has also been made clear to me that technology may be appealing however it is not always the most appropriate solution and in some cases can cause a task to become more complicated than it should be.
It is important for a designer to view sources like this one as a good designer will study previous design successes and failures to acknowledge the design concepts and executions which worked or failed. Smart designers incorporate the knowledge they have gained from looking at previous designs and try not to make the mistakes that previous designers have. By doing this a designer is giving their design a higher chance of succeeding. This video allows us to see some successful and some not so successful design concepts hence provides designers like myself guidelines of what to and what not to incorporate in our future designs.
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