readings.

We were assigned to read a couple of short articles that strive to define “design”. Each of these articles shared the same idea that design is not universally understood, or held to any boundaries. It is a word used to cover a broad spectrum of creative ideas; whatever the human mind can come up with. Design can be understood as an overhead word, such as a lawyer, teacher, or doctor, because there are so many fields within it. These articles go more in depth of what design can actually mean and attempt lessen the ambiguity around it.

By Design

by Ralph Caplan

This brief intro to Caplan’s book just brushes the surface of his overall concept to define the world of design. It describes design as a surface treatment that is directed largely to superficial ends; and the appearance of something needs to be transparent to see the use of it, since the objects can not speak for themselves. Caplan defines design as the process of making things right and shaping what people need, that it is a corrective process.

Design is linked directly to people’s emotions and needs, and that tends to cause people to distort how things look or work to comply with how they want to perceive it. Moreover, well designed objects must be rendered in a way that they can speak for themselves, and not be unconsciously distorted by the human mind. Beyond this, design needs to be ever changing, to open new doors for people to stay creative and always experiencing something new.

Toothpicks and Logos

by John Heskett

In this writing by John Heskett, he explains that design should be the crucial anvil on which the human environment is shaped and constructed for the betterment and delight of all. He talks further that design is vague and lacks having any boundaries, which confuses the definition of design even more. There are obvious aspects of design such as branding and logos, the fashion world, advertising, etc. but still nobody can seem to agree on a clear meaning of the word. Heskett goes into much detail that design is surrounding us in our everyday lives, that design is what it is to be human. Even if we don’t notice it, we are constantly surrounded by something that someone somewhere designed. Design is always replacing something that came before, ever advancing and always changing. It is the process of building onto itself, in order to build our society. Heskett points out that design is a result of human thought and choices, not from computers and technological machines. He also notes that no other creature has the ability to do this, which is why we stand apart from elements of nature. 

In conclusion, design surrounds our civilization and how we live in it. Design is the way our lives are, because it is constantly influencing our every move. Design is always changing, which is why we evolve more and more into the “future” each day. This is all because of design.

Ten Principles of Good Design
by Dieter Rams

I thoroughly enjoyed Dieter Ram’s analysis of good design. As I read his writing, he challenged me to think about everyday objects and why they are of good design.

My object, the Prada perfume bottle, is of good design because it is aesthetic by displaying function and beauty. It makes me want to pick it up and use the product, which entails it is of good design.

Three Ways Good Design Makes You Happy

by Don Norman

Author and design critic Don Norman discusses in his video three ways good design makes you happy. He explores reactions to people’s reactions about design, and what people are looking for as “beautiful”.

In this video Norman went into detail about understanding beauty, fun, pleasure, and emotion through good design. The three aspects that “make you happy” that Norman focuses on are visceral, behavioral, and reflective factors. Visceral factors include aspects of your subconscious emotion that influences your actions. Behavioral is all about being in control and experiencing the product. Reflective is a focus on people’s image and a reflection of their personality.

I really enjoyed this video, it gives more insight as to why people enjoy what they do, and what makes you happy.