Compare and Contrast- IPhone Vs. Blackberry

Image Source: http://www.shuttervoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/South-Africa-iPhone-VS-BlackBerry-Who-Is-the-Winner.jpg

        
     Let's not hide the fact that there is a fierce competition between the makers of the IPhone and the Blackberry. Their sleek designs and their latest technology has consumers weighing their options when they decide to sign that two year contract. Not only have they revolutionized cell phone networks all over the world, these gadgets have us glued to our phones as if they were our only lifeline. 

     Personally, I am not someone who is interested in the latest software on my phone. I will be honest, its the design of the phone that I am after, and how convenient that design is for my lifestyle. If I am going to haul around a phone everywhere as if it were my own child, then it better look good, and it better work with me, not against me. 

      Apple has swept the nation with its sleek and iconic model known as the IPhone. A perfectly faceted piece of equipment that allows for gaming, email, Internet browsing, and the most amazing applications on the planet. What was our life like before the IPhone or IPod? The touch screen however, has its draw backs. All the chubby fingers in the world might struggle with the touch screen demands.  And not only that,  but I have had friends accidentally hang up on someone because their ear has hit the "end call" button.

Image Source: http://bindapple.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/iphone-vs-blackberry.jpg

  Visit this website to learn more about the UC Davis IPhone application!                                                  http://news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=9388

         This is where the Blackberry comes in. As a Blackberry owner, I find their product direct and to the point. It is a perfect mini computer that is easy to use. The design is compact and I feel as though my screen is not as vulnerable to shattering with a single drop. Also, I do not have to try and maneuver my finger around to try and send a simple text. The Blackberry offers an easy to use keyboard and a button that is similar to a mouse pad to direct yourself throughout the phone. On the down side, Blackberry does not have all the bells and whistles that the IPhone has. For instance, I am extremely jealous of the ITunes capabilities, and a handy "app" for UC Davis  that directs you to all sporting event details, bus terminal guides, and schedules.


     So what makes either phone better? Their designs may be completely different, but they are still used for the same purposes. It comes down to what design style works best for you. This is the magic of design! You may compare and contrast different designs in your life as much as you like, for example, furniture shopping, clothes, cars etc. However, the variety of designs that are offered to us help us to create our own identity. Design comes in all shapes and sizes, and whether you are striving to be different, or trying to mainstream, there is something out there

Check out this article about how these two phones have revolutionized the way we communicate. 

http://news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=9388

Pop Art

     The iconic power of the funky and unique characteristics of this artwork  better known as Pop Art,  is an inspiring style that has made an iconic impact amongst the design society for decades. It began as a movement in the 1950's in Britain and the United States, carrying a funky theme full of colorful techniques, influenced by television, pop icons, and comic books in the twentieth century. The image swept the youth and represented a sense of coolness.  It became a type of trend that inspired artists like Andy Warhol to break away from conventional art pieces. His electrifying take on icons like Marilyn Monroe fueled his success.  He gave his audience an overload of color and an image that contributed to our loud and imperfect society.  His work was created by using silk screen, and by ignoring  the imperfections of his prints. He embraced the unevenness  and grainy look that his tools made. "What they suggested was not the humanizing touch of the hand but the pervasiveness of routine error."  His design was not your typical trial and error, or method of repetition. Warhol embraced the imperfections of his work, therefore made an iconic name for himself. Maybe sometimes we just have to let go and come face to face with our flaws. Maybe then we can truly learn to design from within, rather then within the constraints of our design. 

(http://www.artchive.com/artchive/pop_art.html) 

Image Source: http://www.actuallynotes.com/images/warhol-marilyn.jpg

Design as a Conversation (Lady Gaga - Telephone ft. Beyoncé)

     Video Source: Youtube

     Design is not simply something to gaze upon. It is a quest, and an experience that takes much more work than just mindless staring. Design is a conversation that communicates with its audience. We, the audience are fortunate enough to have a universal language that we can all understand; the language of design.  A stimulating example above is the music video produced by Lady Gaga-Telephone ft. Beyonce. This nine minute long mini movie is full of improvisation between the creator and the audience. It is a thought provoking adventure through the mind of Lady Gaga, as she uses the medium of film to communicate to her fans, or as she likes to call them, her "little monsters."  Known for her hidden meanings in most of her songs and elaborate music videos, she has used design as a challenge for her fans.  From the costumes, to the lyrics, even to the dance moves, Lady Gaga uses her own unique performance to get her message across. 

      Gaga proclaims, “I’m always trying to convolute everyone’s idea of what a pop music video should be.” ( http://www.rap-up.com/2010/03/12/lady-gaga-explains-message-behind-telephone-video/) And she does just that. Her music video is an expression of purpose, and a challenge for her audience. She invites us to finish her work, just as artist Yoko Ono does in her work "22 Instructions for Paintings." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI7bSY6LwJc&p=EE25018953F90FAA&playnext=1&index=14) 
     However, Lady Gaga has not given us clear intructions for decoding her video.  She asks the viewer to participate. To step away from our normal mind-sets. This may seem like a lot of effort since our culture is so used to being handed answers on a silver plater. However, it is our ethical responsibility to give this iconic woman our time and involvement,  as we experience and discover what she is trying to tell us. So what is she trying to say? Gaga asserts,  “Take a decidedly pop song, which on the surface has a quite shallow meaning, and turn it into something deeper; the idea that America is full of young people that are inundated with information and technology, and turn it into something that was more of a commentary on the kind of country that we are.” (http://www.rap-up.com/2010/03/12/lady-gaga-explains-message-behind-telephone-video/)

Image Source: http://disinfo.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/LadyGagaTelephone.jpg 

     She definitely is diving deep, deep into an aesthetic strange enough to add an electrifying shock value. Despite my distractions from the bizarre costumes and eccentric characters,  I found myself decoding another message.  Her lyrics repeat the words, “Oh, you're breaking up on me…
Sorry, I cannot hear you,
I'm kinda busy.” But to me, these lyrics cry for help. It is almost obvious that she feels disconnected from reality.  Is she trying to connect with her young audience? Or is she asking her audience to dig deep, and attempt to understand her not just as a pop icon, but as someone who shares similar struggles in our demanding society.

Image Sorce: http://www.thevine.com.au/resources/imgdetail/lady-gaga-telephone_detail_150310051718.jpg

     In one particular scene, Gaga wears glasses made of burning cigarettes. This causes immediate confusion for viewers. It is a very apparent example of symbolism.  Is she try to convey that she is blind to reality or to the constraints of our society? This may be so,  since she is constantly attempting to break away from the norms of today’s American culture.

Image Source: http://youritlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Picture-6.png

Today art and design meet in the realm experience, and  Lady Gaga’s Music video “Telephone” is a peculiar one. Although,  because she is so unconventional, I believe that viewers are more likely to participate.  They cannot help but try to discover what she is trying to tell us because her videos are like nothing we have ever seen.  Design is a method of action, and her method may be challenging, but at least she is asking for her viewers to contribute.  She is communicating to her fans through the art of music and video. She values the feedback from her fans, and for that, Gaga gives us the most over the top and powerful performances that inspires us to think outside of oursleves. 

"Stone Soup"

  

Image Source: photo taken by Victoria Deely

 
    Let's face it, design has everything and anything to do with our daily lives. From the desks we sit in, to the magazines we read, even the clothes we wear. However, design is much more than something to look at or use. It is about the actual experience. It is what we can get out of designing something. The actual input from others, the brainstorming, and the teamwork. It all makes the end product so much more valuable and gratifying. This notion led my DES 001 class to get down and dirty. To channel our inner Pre-Schooler, and to share our perspectives on design through an interesting in-class activity. 
    

Image Source: photo taken by Victoria Deely

     Our assignment was based of the original folk- story known as "Stone Soup."  This story tells the tale of three soldiers in the midst of war, who travel to a local village in search for food. At this time food was scarce, so many families would hoard their food, or would pretend that they did not have anything at all. The soldiers then decided to make a large pot of "stone soup." This brought about the curiosity of the local villagers. As they watched the soldiers, place stones in their pot, many people began to offer some of their own goods to put in the soup. A carrot here, some cabbage there. After awhile people began offering wonderful goods to add to the meal. Eventually, the whole village had come together to make a scrumptious meal. 

     The lesson seems to be that, cooperation, teamwork and sharing goes a lot further than being selfish. And that is just what we did in our small groups. Each of us were asked to bring something to the table. A vague assignment of bringing 4 different materials to class, turned into an array of items that I never expected. From blank Cd's, to fishing line, and even zebra striped duct tape. I appreciated what everyone had so willingly brought, because it opened my eyes to their ideas and imagination. It was inspiring to see how everyone interpreted the assignment. When we all gathered to finally put our “Stone Soup” together, we collaborated to create out own “design tree.” It was full of life, literally. From leaves, and dirt,  to the branches we assembled out of brown paper. We crafted flowers out of construction paper, and tied paper leaves to fishing line. We cut a whole in the side of our box, which was the base for our "tree," and made it look as though the roots of the tree were visible.  I contributed by cutting egg cartons, and covering them with zebra duct tape to make bird nests. I stuffed the bowl-like shapes with brown paper, and used round push pins as the eggs. Our team was very successful. We were able to bounce ideas off each other and ultimately we were able to create one fantastic end product.  The assignment opened my eyes to the possibilities of design, and how easy it is to become inspired. I hope to explore the opportunities around me to challenge myself, and to force myself out of my comfort zone. Experiencing the many different views of design that my peers offered was a very rewarding experience.

Image Source: photo taken by Victoria Deely

Show Me the Light- Creativity From Without

    Image Source: photo taken by Victoria Deely

    After wondering into an overwhelming Urban Outfitters, and after browsing through the sea of bizarre clothes and contraptions, I walked up the stairs to an unusual sight. Urban Outfitters is known for their unique style, so I was not shocked by the dozens of odd light fixtures floating above me. Bright light bulbs were dangling from long, vague, wire-like fixtures. Twisted, and pretzel shaped formations danced gracefully throughout the ceiling . It was as if I was walking into a scene from Alice in Wonderland. I almost half expected the cheshirer cat to appear and explain them to me. I even imagined them lowering them selves down and wrapping around me like a serpent.    As humans, I believe that we take advantage of the little things around us. The small details that encompass our daily lives, and the moments that breath life into our imaginations

     

   Image Source: photo taken by Victoria Deely

      

      While my mind was spinning, I realized that someone had found a way to bring life to something so simple. They had created something out of nothing.  A mere light bulb was transformed into pure genesis. As Terzidis would say, “Design is a vague, ambiguous, and indefinite process of genesis, emergence or formation of something executed…the strive to capture the elusive.” (Etymology of Design, Terzidis) The light fixtures not only provided a twisted take on a lamp, literally, but the cluster of lights that hovered above me sparkled with attitude and flare. Who knew a effortless light bulb could have such vivacious design. And who knew such a thing could be transformed from a basic source of light to  an experience all in its own. Who knew creativity could blossom from without. 
For more inspiration, check out this website to see how other designers are getting creative with light.  http://www.weirdworm.com/10-weird-chandeliers/   

Singare Marks the Spot

Image Source: http://www.loganmolen.com/storage/TacoBellSauce.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1266902660533

                                                             

     The Latin root for design comes from the word signare, a word of origin that refers to “mark making.” Cy Twonbly, a contemporary  artist, created the piece “Wilder Shores of Love,” in 1985. His recognizable talent and theme throughout his work left him with a signature style. And as Twonbly left his mark on the design society, so has Taco Bell. Yes, the same Taco Bell with the most delicious, mouth watering,  below grade food on the earth. I find myself craving a crunch wrap supreme on the best of days. Heck, I’ll be honest,  Taco Bell is a guilty pleasure of mine, (and a contributor to my  adolescent weight gain). 

     It wasn’t until a recent late night trip that I noticed something different. The Taco Bell hot sauce was trying to speak to me before I squeezed it all over my succulent grilled steak soft taco. Perhaps I am more in tune to the design that surrounds my life now that Housefield has placed his voice inside my head, but my sweet and spicy hot sauce had the text, “Ahhhh We Meet Again…” placed upon the sauce packet. Umm Excuse me?  I was unaware that Taco Bell was trying to molest me via hot sauce. However,  I found it rather humorous, and it grabbed my attention instantly. I looked amongst the other hot sauce packets, and each one had a different saying. It was clear that my precious packet was full of design. From the bold colors to, flashy font, and of course the promiscuous sayings that were draped across it. I  Was this Taco Bell’s singare? Was the small text placed upon it an attempt to make their mark? I am not sure what Taco Bell’s motives are, but I can say this… According to Kostas Terzidis, author of The Etymology of Design, “Design serves as a pivotal point of reference that identifies and categorizes.”  Taco Bell has definitely found their identifier, and they have used the tool of design to keep you coming back for more. Now when I reach for my del scorcho hot sauce from Del Taco, I cannot help but feel sorry for them. Their boring hot sauce packets have nothing on Taco Bell’s creepy, yet clever marketing. So I salute you Taco Bell. You have left your mark on not only the “fast food nation,” but the hungry designer in each of us. 


To find out more about Taco Bell and their funny slogans visit http://tbell.bfxmedia.com/

We Are the People of Design

       Source of Image:  http://www.geekshoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/jimmy-choo-jazz-leopard-printed-pony-and-elaphe-snake-skin-shoes.jpg

As Carrie Bradshaw would say, “Every once in awhile, a girl has to indulge herself.”   Well, every once in awhile a girl has to look damn good, and what do we turn to? Our shoes of course. Christian Louboutin’s, Jimmy Choo’s, and Manolo Blahnik’s, all top designer shoes that make grown women drool with desire.  These days,  for a good chunk of change you can pay for a stunning pair of designer shoes, it just may take your whole paycheck to do so. But why not? The little voice inside your head is saying, "you deserve it, your fashion forward, why shouldn’t you indulge! They may only go with one outfit, but your going to look hot as hell."    So maybe you count down the days until the Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale.  Those Michael Kors 5 inch Studded Pumps will be 30% off, and you will do anything to have them, to hold them. I have even caught myself considering buying a pair of Jimmy Choo’s that were over $200, but they were originally $500,  so technically the shoe gods were trying to speak to me.  But let’s be honest, we are obsessed with making our feet sparkle. With making them look as chic and sexy as possible, so when another girl walks by you can flaunt it in their face. (becasue we all know guys don't give a damn) I mean hey,  maybe an intervention is an order for your online shoe shopping addiction, but shoes these days are a statement, and a testimony to the small designer burning inside all of us. We are the people of design, and we appreciate the little things. The small crystal claps, that rich red sole, the snake skin platform, and the perfect peep toe. Maybe Carrie was trying to tell us something.  Maybe our obsessions are reason enough to indulge. Were basically wearing a perfectly faceted piece of artwork that screams for attention. So why not reward ourselves for being so design conscious.  

Quench Your Thirst for Deisgn

Source Image: http://cafecomcoca.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/gatorade21.jpg

All athletes know that hydration is key to being successful and staying healthy.  You can’t sweat blood and tears without thinking about cold water, or your next gulp of your favorite sports drink. Well, on behalf UCD Women’s basketball starting off their season, I’ve decided to dedicate this post to my team. On that note,  as you read this you might ask yourself, “What the hell does this have to do with Design?” But I hope that you take much more away from this then just my sense of humor.

            “The thirst quencher,” the long lasting performance drink, your go to way of keeping yourself from shutting down. Gatorade is a prime way of recovering, and has the nutrition facts to prove it.  Even though that lemon lime might taste delicious,  have you ever thought about anything other than the drink itself, like the packaging.  Like the actual design of the bottle. Take a close look. Take a second. Great, now, hoping you’re on my level, you can’t help but notice that it takes a similar form to a penis. Yes I said it, but you can’t deny you didn’t think it. Gatorade has designed such a perfectly proportional shaft that it puts all men to shame. You can’t blame the creators for choosing such a recognizable shape. Baseball bats, hot dogs, pencils, missiles, and rocketships all have something in common. Giving those objects the benefit of the doubt, they are designed in such a way to create efficiency and practical use. So do I really need a penis shaped bottle to make sure that I’m drinking it correctly. Call me crazy, but I don’t think so.

    All joking aside, let’s get serious, and try to break this down. Somewhere, there are a group of people sitting in a board room, laughing out loud, while making millions of dollars, as they watch Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods take a big swig from their thunder penis. However, they are making millions for a reason, so perhaps they have found a secret way to catch our attention, and force us to pay about $2 dollars for 8 fl ounces of complex carbohydrates.

     Ancient art and sculpture has many sexual connotations.  For example, Michelangelo was not afraid to show the human body for what it was, beautiful, flawed, and graceful. The statue of David is the most famous statue to date. Michelangelo places David in the perfect contraposto. And for those art illiterate out there,  “contraposto”  is considered the perfect “stance”, the most natural S curved shape that the body takes. It gives a human figure a very natural realistic look.  In fact, the “contrapposto” was actually created by the ancient Greeks "in order to give their statues more human characteristics.”

     Source of Image: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-09/07/xin_410901071333420166997.jpg

     
    Possibly, Gatorade has simply sought out to capture the basic primitive qualities of what our earliest designers created. The “human” characteristics of the Gaterade bottle offeres a realistic shape that humans can relate to. Design has many roots, and those roots of origin challenge us to recognize the past, and to discover a way to lead toward novelty. The Gatorade bottle must then,  have novelty. It is striking, and odd, and an evident example of our emergence as designers.  It is our subconscious that forces us to purchase a perfectly mushroom tipped bottle. And it is our instinctive response to the design that has us coming back for more.                        
      Maybe it is a deisgn conspiracy... OR maybe those people in the board room are so appreciative, and loyal to ancient art,  that they couldn’t help but take a bottle and shape into something so deeply rooted into our design history. Design is not an evil scheme, but a challenge for understanding. Deisgn cannot be planned. It is an innovative means of "becoming." So innovative that you could even go as far to say, that the Gatorade bottle is a miniature Statue of David, and the creators are modern day Michaelangelo's.