Reading Response & Course Reflection

Haskett Ch 4-6

The term 'object' is a infinitive defined word.  An object literally could be anything.  Social and cultural status form the basis of the design of objects at any given place in time.  One aspect is to 'give the user what they never knew they wanted.'  Take what you see around you and solve a problem that has such an obvious solution.  Design isn't all about what society is currently doing.  Design has many smaller inputs for the designer themselves, a touch of personal flair.  Many times we come across objects that need very little or no improvement what-so-ever.  Haskett uses the iron as an example of an object that's design is just simple fine the way it is.

Communications have been widespread across today's general media.  Objects and communications are different in that some objects can exist without a visual instruction or reference. Although communications and objects can be seen similarly in the design world.  The same design process happens for communications as objects, and the same things influence them.  Company's use design for their products, but at the same time they use design to communicate their product to the general product.  These communications come in the form of the internet, TV, and logos.  Illustrations and photography are specific kinds of design in communication.  These along with other aspects go into the persuasive design in product exposure.

Space, light, form, color, pattern, and texture are all forms of design of environment. The obvious of all environments are the general interior and exterior.  Interior design is crucial to make a indoor space functional for it's intended purpose.  Interior design is unique in that your home is something you can make your own.  The objects within your home may have been designed by someone else, but how they are displayed are up to you.


IDEO Video

I enjoyed the video we viewed in class.  The concept of getting a bunch of groups to make their own ideas is a nice way to get as many different views of design.  In the end putting all the best parts of everyones ideas actually made a pretty cool shopping cart.  I didn't really realize how much this probably goes on for just about everything we use everyday.  Basically this class is broadening my view of absolutely everything inorganic.  The keyboard I am using, the car I drive, ect.  Another thing that I really liked about the video was the mass disorganization in the beginning to slowly build some structure to not only the working space but also the discussions going on.