Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Video Reflection: The Story of Stuff
The Story of Stuff video was an informative and interesting intake on the situation on the lifecycle of products. While the animation was entertaining and would appeal t younger audiences, the message was clear to everyone the seriousness of humanities wastefulness when it comes to consumption.
The video focuses only on America’s contribution to the waste and toxic that is being produced, having only four percent of their forests left and forty percent of their rivers undrinkable, it makes you think how much resources is left worldwide with all the top powered, manufacturing countries combined.
What surprised me about the video is how direct Annie attacks the big corporations and the government, going so far as to show the government wiping corporate shoes. Although the animation is very direct, the message it portrays is clear as day, the powerful nations treat the third world nations as their own property, and are doing as they wish with those resources with little regard to the natural habitants of that area and the natural wildlife.
What was an interesting piece of information to me was the process a product goes through to achieve low costs, when Annie explained all the sacrifices made by people to achieve a low cost radio, it made me feel a bit of discomfort as I think of all the products I buy without realising the cuts other people have gone through.
I feel that it is very unfair that people are forced to work in the harshest of environments, having to work in areas where they are exposed to harmful toxins and chemicals, for a corporation that has claimed their resources. It is also slightly alarming that just recycling is not enough to make a critical difference in the usage of resources, as manufacturing plants produce so much more.
Overall I enjoyed the video and found it very informative and detailed in the lifecycle of products. I feel that actions must be taken by everyone to minimise the damage done to the Earth and to preserve its resources. The video has also made me aware of the products that I buy and inspired me to help design towards a less wasteful future.
The video focuses only on America’s contribution to the waste and toxic that is being produced, having only four percent of their forests left and forty percent of their rivers undrinkable, it makes you think how much resources is left worldwide with all the top powered, manufacturing countries combined.
What surprised me about the video is how direct Annie attacks the big corporations and the government, going so far as to show the government wiping corporate shoes. Although the animation is very direct, the message it portrays is clear as day, the powerful nations treat the third world nations as their own property, and are doing as they wish with those resources with little regard to the natural habitants of that area and the natural wildlife.
What was an interesting piece of information to me was the process a product goes through to achieve low costs, when Annie explained all the sacrifices made by people to achieve a low cost radio, it made me feel a bit of discomfort as I think of all the products I buy without realising the cuts other people have gone through.
I feel that it is very unfair that people are forced to work in the harshest of environments, having to work in areas where they are exposed to harmful toxins and chemicals, for a corporation that has claimed their resources. It is also slightly alarming that just recycling is not enough to make a critical difference in the usage of resources, as manufacturing plants produce so much more.
Overall I enjoyed the video and found it very informative and detailed in the lifecycle of products. I feel that actions must be taken by everyone to minimise the damage done to the Earth and to preserve its resources. The video has also made me aware of the products that I buy and inspired me to help design towards a less wasteful future.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Video Reflection: Donald Norman on Emotional Design
Donald Norman’s talk on emotional design was a very interesting topic and very much enjoyable. I hung onto every word that came out of his mouth and many things he said were exactly how I felt about many designs myself. His talk also made me recognise the subconscious thoughts in me when looking at designs.
He presents designs in a way that they are more for show rather than for their actual use, such as the orange juicer, which Donald claims to use as decoration in the house rather than what it is really meant to be used for. This was a little confusing to me at the start, as I always thought that the a design would have to focus more on function over visuals, although many designs in the modern day incorporate both.
I laughed to myself when he touched on the Google design, it had never occurred to me that the many ‘O’s represented pages; it was just something I noticed but never gave second thoughts about. Donald showed thru his presentation how we subconsciously register designs that positively affect us emotionally and trigger us to want that product. I relate that to me and think how true what he said was. An example would be me and iPods, I know that they are one of the faultiest products ever made yet their symmetrical and sleek design attract me to it, prompting me to buy it.
Donald really presented an insightful talk into the human emotion, showing us how a positive feeling can greatly affect how we think, which in turn help us to be more creative with ideas. It is the feeling of being able to tackle any problem without the fear of failing. It is so true as I feel this way myself when trying to tackle a hard problem to solve, but having a good feeling helps deal with the problem.
Overall I feel the video was very informative and provided a lighter side to design, Donald’s humorous presentation has given me a positive feeling to design and acts as another inspiration for me. I feel that in the future designing based on emotions will be one of the most designed products as the people look toward more visually exciting objects.
He presents designs in a way that they are more for show rather than for their actual use, such as the orange juicer, which Donald claims to use as decoration in the house rather than what it is really meant to be used for. This was a little confusing to me at the start, as I always thought that the a design would have to focus more on function over visuals, although many designs in the modern day incorporate both.
I laughed to myself when he touched on the Google design, it had never occurred to me that the many ‘O’s represented pages; it was just something I noticed but never gave second thoughts about. Donald showed thru his presentation how we subconsciously register designs that positively affect us emotionally and trigger us to want that product. I relate that to me and think how true what he said was. An example would be me and iPods, I know that they are one of the faultiest products ever made yet their symmetrical and sleek design attract me to it, prompting me to buy it.
Donald really presented an insightful talk into the human emotion, showing us how a positive feeling can greatly affect how we think, which in turn help us to be more creative with ideas. It is the feeling of being able to tackle any problem without the fear of failing. It is so true as I feel this way myself when trying to tackle a hard problem to solve, but having a good feeling helps deal with the problem.
Overall I feel the video was very informative and provided a lighter side to design, Donald’s humorous presentation has given me a positive feeling to design and acts as another inspiration for me. I feel that in the future designing based on emotions will be one of the most designed products as the people look toward more visually exciting objects.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Design Excellence
Overall, I think the Clean-Ons a pretty neat product, I'd definately use one. It looks futuristic and high tech, has a good balance of visual elements.
I learned from this task the different visual elements in products that define it, as well as viewing a product from only a visual way and not based on function.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Powerhouse Museum Photos
Some of my favorite photos from the exhibitions, esp the carton monkey haha. Was good to see some old school hip hop legends Run DMC wooo!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Video Reflection: David Kelly on Human Centred Design
David Kelly provided and amazing presentation on human centred design which I think is a very inspirational and educational experience. The products, designs and ideas presented were all focused to bring about more user interaction with technology without the feeling of being dominated by machines.
I particularly liked the changing room design in the shopping mall; the new interior has much more space than the current rooms in stores. The liquid crystal glass that changes from opaque to transparent with a simple switch of a button is a very clever idea and definitely very classy. The designers definitely took into consideration many factors when designing the new rooms, creating something futuristic that also gave a sense of comfort to customers. I was left in awe with the audience as the multi view mirror also showed a three second delay to allow customers to view their back, leading me to ask myself ‘was there anything these guys didn’t think of?’
At first I didn’t quite understand how the design team would redesign a cubicle, I’ve always seen them as three simple walls surrounding a desk, in other words: boring. But I slowly started to get a picture as the team threw around ideas, trying to ‘humanize’ the cubicle. The finished product was an amazing cubicle that featured a fish tank, flower pots, warm colours that represented the sun, it was humanised to give an emotional atmosphere that gave life. To trigger an emotional response from the audience, customer or viewer shows that not only has the designer done their job right, but they have taken a huge step forward in the understanding of the connections between the designs and people. I am definitely getting myself a cubicle like that if I ever work in one.
The SpyFish equipment is quite the upgrade for customers who like to spend time on the water. The SpyFish is a small camera that goes underwater which is controlled by a wireless remote. It allows the controller to experience the beauty underwater without having to get wet. The design of the camera is amazing as shape and size allow it to roam freely underwater while also blending in with the inhabitants of the sea. It is amazing how the designers managed to pack so many advanced functions into a machine so small.
The video was overall was very inspirational and sets the bars for future designers. It was a great guide that will help shape myself up when I start my own designs. The video successfully captured the products that have been human centred and I am hoping to see more in the future.
I particularly liked the changing room design in the shopping mall; the new interior has much more space than the current rooms in stores. The liquid crystal glass that changes from opaque to transparent with a simple switch of a button is a very clever idea and definitely very classy. The designers definitely took into consideration many factors when designing the new rooms, creating something futuristic that also gave a sense of comfort to customers. I was left in awe with the audience as the multi view mirror also showed a three second delay to allow customers to view their back, leading me to ask myself ‘was there anything these guys didn’t think of?’
At first I didn’t quite understand how the design team would redesign a cubicle, I’ve always seen them as three simple walls surrounding a desk, in other words: boring. But I slowly started to get a picture as the team threw around ideas, trying to ‘humanize’ the cubicle. The finished product was an amazing cubicle that featured a fish tank, flower pots, warm colours that represented the sun, it was humanised to give an emotional atmosphere that gave life. To trigger an emotional response from the audience, customer or viewer shows that not only has the designer done their job right, but they have taken a huge step forward in the understanding of the connections between the designs and people. I am definitely getting myself a cubicle like that if I ever work in one.
The SpyFish equipment is quite the upgrade for customers who like to spend time on the water. The SpyFish is a small camera that goes underwater which is controlled by a wireless remote. It allows the controller to experience the beauty underwater without having to get wet. The design of the camera is amazing as shape and size allow it to roam freely underwater while also blending in with the inhabitants of the sea. It is amazing how the designers managed to pack so many advanced functions into a machine so small.
The video was overall was very inspirational and sets the bars for future designers. It was a great guide that will help shape myself up when I start my own designs. The video successfully captured the products that have been human centred and I am hoping to see more in the future.
My Design Career
Choosing a career to stick to for the rest of my life has always been a difficult decision, with many interesting choices to choose from. However, one option stood out from the rest in the end, the many areas of creativity it covered, the programs I will learn and work with, the crafting and models I will learn to make pointed me in the direction of design.
I picked up Industrial Design at the University of New South Wales. Being one of the top universities, having a great reputation and a great location (horrible transport tho) were few of the reasons why I chose UNSW to study at. Starting class at UNSW, I thought it wouldn’t be that hard, as I have had prior experience in design, but I was quickly proven wrong by the tedious tasks given to us. Design Fundamentals class alone changed my entire view on design, it opened my mind to new ideas and perspectives. The course has showed me that every detail, big or small, must have a meaning or reason to exist, which defines the work of our designs. Such works such as the colour wheel opened my eyes to different meanings behind colours, showing me the cool and warm effects and complimentary colours.
I gained many new skills as a designer in model making classes. The workshop tutorial sessions were very useful and the appearance model projects were good fun and challenging task. The constant bombardment of tasks although off putting, had the effect of keeping me working at all times, keeping my mind sharp and always open to new ideas. The hectic schedules also gave me an idea of what it will be like once I start my career.
Through only half a year of being an industrial design student I have already gained a vast amount of knowledge in designing and still have three and a half years to go. I will continue to strive for excellence in this course and push myself to put out works I could never have imagined I could do. This course has helped me push pass boundaries and exceeded my expectations in myself; I am determined to complete this course and shape up for a successful career.
I believe that my future in design will be a daring and exciting journey. I have my sight set on becoming a furniture designer, as I enjoy designing objects of comfort and I find that I can express my own ‘style’ through furniture. I also feel that this area of design is where I am most comfortable in working in.
I picked up Industrial Design at the University of New South Wales. Being one of the top universities, having a great reputation and a great location (horrible transport tho) were few of the reasons why I chose UNSW to study at. Starting class at UNSW, I thought it wouldn’t be that hard, as I have had prior experience in design, but I was quickly proven wrong by the tedious tasks given to us. Design Fundamentals class alone changed my entire view on design, it opened my mind to new ideas and perspectives. The course has showed me that every detail, big or small, must have a meaning or reason to exist, which defines the work of our designs. Such works such as the colour wheel opened my eyes to different meanings behind colours, showing me the cool and warm effects and complimentary colours.
I gained many new skills as a designer in model making classes. The workshop tutorial sessions were very useful and the appearance model projects were good fun and challenging task. The constant bombardment of tasks although off putting, had the effect of keeping me working at all times, keeping my mind sharp and always open to new ideas. The hectic schedules also gave me an idea of what it will be like once I start my career.
Through only half a year of being an industrial design student I have already gained a vast amount of knowledge in designing and still have three and a half years to go. I will continue to strive for excellence in this course and push myself to put out works I could never have imagined I could do. This course has helped me push pass boundaries and exceeded my expectations in myself; I am determined to complete this course and shape up for a successful career.
I believe that my future in design will be a daring and exciting journey. I have my sight set on becoming a furniture designer, as I enjoy designing objects of comfort and I find that I can express my own ‘style’ through furniture. I also feel that this area of design is where I am most comfortable in working in.
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