I recently watched a film called OBJETIFIED in class, and I was shocked by how much Gary Hustwit’s 2009 documentary opened my eyes to the stories behind the objects that completely consume me. I have never really stopped to think about their story or the detail that is embedded in everything that is around me; my coffee cup, my laundry basket, computer, lamp, remotes etc. This film brought to my attention what I have taken for granted in the toothbrush I use every mourning, or the hairbrush I use. Everything has been designed to fit my needs, and good design is innovative, useful, consistent in every detail, and ironically has as little design as possible. Design is a search for form, and the form that hits the shelves needs to make my life easier. This is what keeps consumers coming back for more, and what makes new products so desirable. For example, Apple has designed such innovative and aesthetic products that we have become almost dependent upon them. However, Apple’s design makes me believe that this is how an IPod was always supposed to be. I am convinced that my laptop shouldn’t operate any other way because they have found such harmony within design. It is because of this film that I cannot help but gaze upon the objects in my room and ponder their story, their process into production. How they came to be, and I cannot help but reflect upon how much I truly rely on the little things in life; the objects that surround me and assist me through my daily life.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Compare and Contrast- IPhone Vs. Blackberry
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| 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.
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| Image Source: http://bindapple.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/iphone-vs-blackberry.jpg |
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.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
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/)
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/)
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| Image Source: http://disinfo.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/LadyGagaTelephone.jpg |
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| 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.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
"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/
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/
To find out more about Taco Bell and their funny slogans visit http://tbell.bfxmedia.com/
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