A single Earth means that we are limited in our resources indefinitely.
This video examines the linear system; from extraction, to production, to distribution, to consumption and disposal of the materials economy.
The confronting news that is delivered by Leonard, illustrates that we are living in a day and age where the amount of resources being consumed may be detrimental to the planet and its stakeholders.
Extraction of raw materials is the exploitation of the earth's resources. Leonard explains that the system that is currently processing these resources is under a linear system. This system, stated 'in crisis' is unable to cater to the infinite demand within a finite planet. Therefore she states that there cannot be a linear system on a finite planet indefinitely.
Production is where energy is used to mix toxic chemicals with the natural resources to make contaminated products. With over 100,000 synthetic chemicals being used in industries today only a handful have been tested on health impacts, not to mention the unknown synergetic effects of mixed toxic chemicals. Factory workers are the most susceptible to these chemicals, which shows that not only are resources being exploited and wasted, but people and their communities.
Distribution of these chemical-induced products comes next, where they are sold as low cost as possible. This attracts consumers into buying these products and the companies continue externalising their true costs of production to keep inventory flowing. The bulk of negative impacts are felt on the raw materials and in more developing countries where factories are set up.
Consumption is the driving arrow of this system and consumerism is greatly molded by the terms "planned" and "perceived obsolescence". Our culture has been designed so that consuming has become a way of life, buying and throwing away. It is planned into products; when they will break and become useless (planned obsolescence), or they will be seemed to be needed to be replaced (perceived obsolescence). Either way we are tricked into buying products that we will not necessarily need, or replacing products to remain 'fashionable'.
However we choose to dispose of our waste, they predominantly have a very damaging effect on our planet. Whether this waste is placed in a landfill, or burned and placed in a landfill, each method is harmful to the environment and the resources used to develop these products are wasted polluting our air, land and water.
Although recycling may seem a good alternative it cannot keep up with amount of waste being produced within the material economy.
Leonard confronts a major sustainable hurdle in this video, and also opens up the consumer's eyes to what we are doing in contributing to these harmful causes. As designers we should always consider a sustainable environment, working towards a new system; a system based on rationalising waste and making the linear system a closed loop system.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
donald norman on EMOTIONAL DESIGN
Contrary to the earlier beliefs of function over form, a new age of design; emotional design, slips into our culture as the new and radical selling point to contemporary consumers.
Although function AND form are still both inherently vital to a products' popularity, the notion that an emotional interaction between the consumer and a product be present is coming of greater consideration.
Donald Norman gives a few examples, starting off with the famous lemon juicer by Philippe Starck. Instead of keeping the juicer in the kitchen, where it is meant to be, he places it at the front door as a showpiece. The initial function of the juicer is completely placed into disregard, yet the beauty of the juicer provokes emotion and is fun and pleasant.
He also mentions a study between two groups of students, in which they had to connect two pieces of string together to reach one another.
The first group was purely told that the problem was an IQ test, determining how well they did in life. Subsequently, they were unable to solve the problem.
The second group were given a box of candy before the problem, and thereafter was able to solve the problem.
Norman explained that when forced under anxiety, neural transmitters are released into the brain which makes you more focused and "depth first", whereas if you are happy the brain allows to think "breath first" and also "outside the box".
Norman also mentions the emotional processes which are labelled into three categories including visceral, behavioural and reflective.
Visceral includes our senses, attraction to different smells, textures, sights, noises.
An example of this includes a consumer purchasing a water bottle for the visually attractiveness and decorations over the function.
Behavioural includes usability and function of a product.
An example is the Rondavel tilting teapot and it's three stages of lying down, tilting and standing up. This evokes an emotional response from the consumer.
Reflective is where the little voice in your head resides.
An example is purchasing an expensive, yet environmentally safe car, which shows others that you care about the world.
Although function AND form are still both inherently vital to a products' popularity, the notion that an emotional interaction between the consumer and a product be present is coming of greater consideration.
Donald Norman gives a few examples, starting off with the famous lemon juicer by Philippe Starck. Instead of keeping the juicer in the kitchen, where it is meant to be, he places it at the front door as a showpiece. The initial function of the juicer is completely placed into disregard, yet the beauty of the juicer provokes emotion and is fun and pleasant.
He also mentions a study between two groups of students, in which they had to connect two pieces of string together to reach one another.
The first group was purely told that the problem was an IQ test, determining how well they did in life. Subsequently, they were unable to solve the problem.
The second group were given a box of candy before the problem, and thereafter was able to solve the problem.
Norman explained that when forced under anxiety, neural transmitters are released into the brain which makes you more focused and "depth first", whereas if you are happy the brain allows to think "breath first" and also "outside the box".
Norman also mentions the emotional processes which are labelled into three categories including visceral, behavioural and reflective.
Visceral includes our senses, attraction to different smells, textures, sights, noises.
An example of this includes a consumer purchasing a water bottle for the visually attractiveness and decorations over the function.
Behavioural includes usability and function of a product.
An example is the Rondavel tilting teapot and it's three stages of lying down, tilting and standing up. This evokes an emotional response from the consumer.
Reflective is where the little voice in your head resides.
An example is purchasing an expensive, yet environmentally safe car, which shows others that you care about the world.
In an effort to engage with products to create an emotional interaction we must learn to adopt these emotional processes, diffusing the psychology of the human mind.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
fitbit tracker
The Fitbit tracker is definitely an interesting piece of apparatus in the health and fitness market.
It would help in assisting consumers to maintain an active and consistent lifestyle whilst keeping track of diet and calorie intake.
Design prevails again; a happier, healthier consumer towards a more ecologically sustainable environment.
Monday, August 2, 2010
video reflection - human centred design
David Kelley, the founder of the internationally renowned design company IDEO opens us to the notions of the innovational user centred approaches to design.
It is evident to state that design may also account for advances in education systems, by making learning interactive and more adaptable to human understanding. This may be particularly beneficial to the younger populace as interactive learning may be seen as more fun, approachable and yielding.
The task to integrate natural elements into the design of cubicles was explored in order to create a better working environment to benefit the employees. This human friendly design approach would, in effect, hope to increase the productivity of the company.
Human centred design has a large part to play in the near future. As society becomes ever more reliant on applied and techical sciences and also technology, human integrated design and innovations will also continue to transform and mold into what will be our tomorrow.
http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/122
Human centred design... involves designing behaviours and personality into products.The futuristic approach adopted by Prada in their new interactive environments enhance their customer's shopping experience, increasing user friendliness and efficiency. In creating this cultural bond, we are able to see the potential of growth in design and technologies that would vastly affect the future of shoppers.
It is evident to state that design may also account for advances in education systems, by making learning interactive and more adaptable to human understanding. This may be particularly beneficial to the younger populace as interactive learning may be seen as more fun, approachable and yielding.
The task to integrate natural elements into the design of cubicles was explored in order to create a better working environment to benefit the employees. This human friendly design approach would, in effect, hope to increase the productivity of the company.
Human centred design has a large part to play in the near future. As society becomes ever more reliant on applied and techical sciences and also technology, human integrated design and innovations will also continue to transform and mold into what will be our tomorrow.
http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/122
the shape of a scent.
To describe the scent;
- strong, but fades quick
- old fashioned
- feminine
- floral
These were the four main characteristics that were associated with our scent.
We later found out is was for males. fml
- old fashioned
- feminine
- floral
These were the four main characteristics that were associated with our scent.
We later found out is was for males. fml
here we go again.
Design.
The ability for a single word to stir such ideas and forms of creativity is amazing.
It is this simple notion that fuels my curiosity and opens a vast world of imagination, in which what you see may not entirely be what you get.
It was last year that I deferred my studies in business and decided to take a year off as a break, and also to learn more about myself; my passions and future prospects. Quite often, I would ask myself the question; what do I really want? What do I really enjoy?
Asking around my friends and elder (wiser, lol) folk for some advice, I'd settled with a course that I'd assumed would not be good at, but would enjoy, seeking excitement and interest in whatever the challenges I would be faced with.
Delving into the course for a semester, I'd found that being a designer would require much more than I'd expected. The abilities of these designers to evoke emotion in an object; outplaying the mere aesthetics and going beyond what is seen is definitely not the easiest thing to do. Without a real passion for design, it would be a very hard road to compete with others.
Although I don't see myself as a naturally aspired artsy fartsy designer of sorts, I'm keen on facing new challenges and learning step by step, progressively inspiring the development of a newfound passion.
As an enthusiast in sport and recreational activities, I would like to see my future in the development of design in the sporting industry. However, that's not to say i'm bounded to just that. I would love to venture out into the biomedical industry, working with engineers to take the future in a positive direction; helping others.
Industrial design.. The verdict? Can't complain..haha
The ability for a single word to stir such ideas and forms of creativity is amazing.
It is this simple notion that fuels my curiosity and opens a vast world of imagination, in which what you see may not entirely be what you get.
It was last year that I deferred my studies in business and decided to take a year off as a break, and also to learn more about myself; my passions and future prospects. Quite often, I would ask myself the question; what do I really want? What do I really enjoy?
Asking around my friends and elder (wiser, lol) folk for some advice, I'd settled with a course that I'd assumed would not be good at, but would enjoy, seeking excitement and interest in whatever the challenges I would be faced with.
Delving into the course for a semester, I'd found that being a designer would require much more than I'd expected. The abilities of these designers to evoke emotion in an object; outplaying the mere aesthetics and going beyond what is seen is definitely not the easiest thing to do. Without a real passion for design, it would be a very hard road to compete with others.
Although I don't see myself as a naturally aspired artsy fartsy designer of sorts, I'm keen on facing new challenges and learning step by step, progressively inspiring the development of a newfound passion.
As an enthusiast in sport and recreational activities, I would like to see my future in the development of design in the sporting industry. However, that's not to say i'm bounded to just that. I would love to venture out into the biomedical industry, working with engineers to take the future in a positive direction; helping others.
Industrial design.. The verdict? Can't complain..haha
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)