Designing Dream Machines

this video highlighted the challenges faced by designers during the design process, and the range of different techniques and approaches that can be employed.

for example, drawing by hand, although quite a primitive technique when compared to the technologies of the modern world, is still quite an invaluable design tool and the most efficient way to record thoughts and ideas in the early stages of the design process.

this video also reinforced the importance of, as a designer, the innate need to constantly refer back to the client and design FOR the target market, rather than simply indulging your own tastes.

even though this is one of the older videos we've watched this semester, it was definitely one of the more interesting ones, and well worth viewing.

Treasuring Time: Reflection

i decided to approach the brief with the concepts of memory and nostalgia in mind. time is a curious thing, both infinite, and yet finite in terms of measurement. 

in our lives, we can move up and down, left and right, forwards and backwards, we act and react...yet time only moves ever forward, unidirectional, passing steadily even as i type this. we can never return to moments in the past, they live on but as memories. perhaps this is why we treasure time - it is precious, limited, even though it stretches on and on into eternity.

memory itself is another curious thing. apparently, the only way to remember is through repetition, and if we alter the memory in any way as we recall it, it comes to exist solely as that mutation, the refraction of the original thought.

a reflection on past events.

which is where kaleidoscopes fit into the picture.

traditionally, a kaleidoscope consists of a prism of mirrors encased in a tube, one end being the viewfinder and the other where to place the image/object being viewed. the original object gets bounced off and refracted through these mirrors myriad times, until it becomes virtually unrecognisable. the use of a kaleidoscope is also a greatly meditative experience, allowing us the time and space to delve into our thoughts, and thus our memories.

The Reflection set of kaleidoscopes, or reflectoscopes, have detatchable ends, so the user can choose which image or memory to explore.

the first reflectoscope is devoid of internal mirrors. it acts instead as a viewfinder, representing the image or memory as it was.

the second begins to refract the image into hexagonal shapes, still semi recognisable but introducing new forms to the fray.

the third reflectoscope renders the original image completely unrecognisable, so that it instead becomes an explosion of colour and light, prehaps introducing to the viewer aspects of their memories they had not considered previously.

using a steel outer casing gives the kaleidoscopes weight, so that they subconsciously become an object of inherent worth, a precious way to treasure precious moments.

the end pieces are covered in leather, again a symbol of worth, but also pleasing to the touch.

because of the elements discussed, this product allows time for meditation and reflection, delving into past memories and perhaps creating new ones in the process.

Bad Design - Acme Radio

in tamworth at my parents house, this little portable battery radio has become my main means of background noise when chilling outside (as you can tell from the many marks and scratches). however, the labels are quite confusing - the larger wheel on the side is for tuning, while the smaller controls the volume and doubles as the on/off switch. the top switch is in fact for changing the band ie AM/FM...as the volume switch, although having the vol symbol underneath, is not labelled as the on/off switch, confusion arises concerning the FM/AM switch. when first using the radio, i could not figure out how to turn it on, as the FM/AM switch looks more like an ON/OFF switch. this is why my redesign proposes labelling ALL switches, and furthermore positioning the FM/AM switch next to the tuning dial to avoid confusion.

Postal Presents

i wanted to design a jewellery holder that was more interesting than the generic bar forms and too literal tree forms on the market at the moment. however, i still wanted it to be easy for the recipient to assemble, which is why i streamlined it to two main forms repeated. also i believe the shape of the pieces allow for intuitive assembly, as the slots that connect the parts have obvious matches. because of the multiple arms, more jewellery can be fitted onto this than other holders i have tried in the past.

Reflections: the story of stuff

i  used to get incredibly fired up about this kind of stuff, a regular little highschool activist =P. theres a magazine i used to read called the new internationalist about exploitation and all the stories you never seem to hear about through the regular media.

this video helped remind me about the important things, namely:

we as designers have an INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT ROLE.

we can EFFECT CHANGE.

design objects of WORTH and SIGNIFICANCE.

actively reduce EXPLOITATION and POLLUTION through the CHOICES WE MAKE.

(just as an aside, in addition to the information presented on dioxins and other substances found in consumer products, i have a book at home called the chemical maze which lists all the additives found in our food by name and number. its really quite scary how much of what we eat is banned in various countries overseas because its just so darn poisonous and detrimental to our health.)

the statistic i found most disturbing was that in north america, only 1% of consumer goods are still being used 6 months after their purchase date.

lets do something about that. lets reduce the amount of landfill, the number of harmful chemicals used in production, the exploitation of workers in third world countries who have little choice in the matter. lets create change and work towards a sustainable future.

Pictures to supplement poster

4 PLEASURES ANALYSIS (not visible on poster):

PHYSICAL - ergonomic handle for parent - ergonomic wing handles for baby - rounded, friendly shape

SOCIAL - educational tool, increased interraction at meal times between parent and baby while at the same time encouraging learning and independence

IDEOLOGICAL - safe for children, communicated through the large, fun, friendly shape - no choking hazard - bright colours child friendly

PSYCHOLOGICAL - turns dinner into a game, rather than a chore - fun, bright, happy, baby more willing to cooperate because its an extended playtime with a toy easy and comfortable for them to use

RATIONALE

in designing for young families, i wanted a product that enriched the experience of both parent and baby, and i believe this tool does exactly that. to the child, the brightly coloured spoon is simply a toy aeroplane - but to the parent, it represents a means of actively fostering independence and teaching children to not only feed themselves, but to also enjoy mealtimes and encourage healthy eating habits. the ergonomic form is designed to meet the needs of both parent and baby. the tail of the plane is fashioned into a handle that fits comfortably even in larger hands. the wings are a form similar to the handle of a rattle, and provide a comfortable grip for the child. these elements allow the child to hold the spoon while the parent is still ableto gently steer with the rear handle. also, the fact that there are two handholds positioned like handlebars for the child makes it far easier for them to manipulate and manage the tool on their own when they are able, as opposed to an ordinary spoon.