Avianna Thyssen

UWM Design Survey Art Class 2022

[avithyssen]

Week Fifteen - Final Thoughts

After fifteen weeks of talking about design, I see the future of design being very modern, adapted, and advanced. I feel like we can only go forward with design since we have come so far already. A couple examples that I can see as the potential future are cars. They have come so far already with small design tweaks like tinted windows and heated seats, and the newest feature from Tesla of being able to drive itself. I feel that in the future this feature will be more trusted and managed because since it is so new people still have their suspicions and doubts, but in the future the road will probably be all cars that drive themselves. Even different designs like smaller cars, SUVs, and trucks. Another example is going to be phones. Phones have already adapted from cord phones, to touch screens, to now phones that don’t even have a home button. I feel like in the future there will be advances with the battery, or how phones are able to bend, or how they connect to cars or bluetooth devices. Every small update is leading up to these bigger advances. My third example that I see as the potential future is medical supplies. The world has already come a drastic way with their preventative care for diseases. For example, I have diabetes and many years ago there were no electronic pumps for patients that could regulate our blood glucoses like they do now. In the future, I feel like there will be ways for medicine to prevent things from happening even quicker, and the technology will give them every cure and hope that they need. 

As designers now get older, they will retire which will allow for new designers to enhance outcomes and provide new elements of design and products.

[avithyssen]

Week Fourteen - My Choice

I think what most captured my attention throughout this course is how design has evolved, and all of the thinking that goes behind products. I have always wondered where things came from or how events came to be or even how words mean certain things. It all seems so interesting to me and so by learning about the history of design I was trying to look for examples throughout my daily life that enhanced my learning. In design a lot of things stem off of each other to become more adaptive and modern. For example, the curvature in buildings many decades ago, now symbolizes the curved stairs that many people have in their house. 

I do not have any questions about design vs. art because I feel that was covered really well in the beginning of the semester which allowed me to not get confused and to always think on the right track. 

Overall, I now think deeper about products around my house or things that I pass as I am driving down the street. I think about how it correlates to design and all of the thought processes that went in behind it. I also feel like I understand more about design when talking about interior design, architecture, typography, and more. When I first started this course, I thought that design was just a way to appeal to people's wants in a specific way. However, I now realize that design is way more than that, and ranges from a profession, an experience, a form of communication, and more. I feel that my main takeaway of this class is knowing that design is anything with a goal, which is always advancing in order to satisfy the intended audience desires. 

I think that since this class is correlated to gen-eds that one of the projects we do is to look into how our intended career path is related to design. I feel like this would be a fun and insightful way to not only see how we are going to make an impact in the future, but also how we will enhance design.

[avithyssen]

Week Thirteen - New Media

The readings for this week were focused on digital aesthetics, which relate to features and qualities that rely on perceptual and pleasurable relations on digital devices. As we have learned throughout the semester, aesthetics can be used in fields like architecture, clothing design, literature, art, music, nature, and more. Some designers have classified aesthetics into different universal signatures like imitation, criticism, and style. Some contemporary examples of digital aesthetics include flat screen televisions, iPhones, and even content aesthetics like art and drawing apps on the iPhone. Nowadays, it would be very hard to walk around society and find someone without a smartphone, or a home without televisions. Today’s world relies on technology. You can never go to a social event or hangout with friends and have everyone put their phone away, because we are just that drawn to them. It is sad how people try to make others put their phones down when they go out to restaurants by making everyone put their phone down on the table, and the first one to pick up their phone pays for the bill. The extent we have gone to try and tone down these uses are almost heartbreaking. However, it is also awesome at the same time how far we have come with technology and digital data. The visual characteristics of the digital realm are hard to describe only because of the way it is constantly expanding and becoming better, hence the constant updates. You can also find just about anything online. Digital aesthetics are a great way for advertisement, the wants of users, and basically just the craving from society. It is important to recognize though how far we have come in new media, and how far we will continue to go. 

[avithyssen]

Week Twelve - New Media

The fields that I believe have the greatest impact on interactive design is online webs and stores. In the reading for this week, it mentioned how web design came to be during an era where there would be nothing to develop it or expand it like there is now. For example how influential and powerful Apple is in its marketing and service, and also how Amazon has a large retail with maximizing sales. Amazon makes everything about their website easy for their users; the check-out process is simple by guiding the customers through each step, they include a search bar with categories for anything and everything so you can narrow down what you are looking for, and they even give you their top rated item to make the decision process shorter. The website is not there to please aesthetics, but to rather guide you through your shopping experience. 

Corporate websites feature design from previously existing print media. They use simple fonts like Arial or Times New Roman to provide text that is understood by all. Even though the text is relatively the same as what they would have used if it was on print, the entertainment industry has developed a lot more marketing strategies across the internet, mostly because of social media. Since media print, social media is able to reach people from all around the world through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, etc. They are able to display a brand’s content as well as ads to promote publicity. These interactive websites and apps spread a lot more information quicker than if it was in print. The textbook gave a lot of good examples that I already mentioned above, like Apple and Amazon, which deepened my understanding of the great impact corporate design has had on web design. 

[avithyssen]

Week Eleven - Graphic Design

As stated in the reading, a citizen designer is a professional who attempts to address societal issues in addition to their commercial works. Some examples they include on page 425 are global warming and HIV/AIDS. While certain artists take on different fields, a few citizen designers feel that their professions feel political, or social concerns are too inappropriate for their work. Citizen design not only incorporates commercial decisions, but it opens up to a bigger aspect of design by supporting the lives of humanity and their users. Designers tend to have significant impact on the people around them since their products are all over the world, and cater to individuals specific needs. Because of this, it is extremely important that designers look into the many issues of the world, and include that into their designs. Not only does this help others stay alert on the topic, but it also educates designers on the issues and allows them to grow from that. In the book it stated how. Samina Quraeshi asserted that the multidisciplinary approach puts designers in a position to see how social change can only be functioned through connections, and collaboration with people from the government, industry, and private life, in order to benefit the world at large. 

I really enjoyed reading about the citizen designer because it opened my thoughts to not only the commercial work, but how many different fields that are for designers to go into. It kind of reminds me of nursing where there are so many units you can study specifically, but only one suits you the best. 

[avithyssen]

Week Ten - Graphic Design

Through the readings I learned that typography is the technique of arranging certain things in writing to make noted language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed. This can include point sizes, line lengths, line-spacing, letter-spacing, and even adjusting the space between pairs of letters. The transformation of typography during the nineteenth century brought a new proliferation of a variety of innovative typefaces. For example, there were demands of mass culture and printing workshops so there were thousands of new typefaces for decorative and display purposes. These were deployed in printed media, with the broadsheet and the poster being the most pervasive.

I never realized this but I was using a type of graphic design my whole life by applying typography. It was interesting to find out in these readings all the ways that typography relates to graphic design. An essential component of modern graphic design at the Bauhaus was the use of rational, geometric letterforms. Bauhaus typographers believed that sans serif type was necessary for three different reasons. The first reason was being the only type capable of expressing the spirit of the machine. The second being sans serif lacked any nationalist associations so it could serve as a uniting force in the post-war era. Lastly, the third reason being its clarity and impersonal character were the best match for photography. 

A script called blackletter was rooted in the Middle Ages. In the 1980s, a lot of the German printing used blackletter, which was also called Fraktur. Blackletter had narrowed proportioned letters, small spaces between words and between lines of text, and stylized ligatures to connect the letters; much like roman numerals. In the book it states that the darkness of the characters overpowers the whiteness of the page. 

I thought that these reading assignments were an interesting way to learn more about how we use graphic design in our daily lives, and how history affects the way typography is today! 

[avithyssen]

Week Nine - Industrial Design

Brooks Stevens was born in Milwaukee, and even when he moved away, he was still drawn back. On July 1st, 1935, Stevens opened his first office. While it started with only five staff members, he soon grew to have over fifty. In 1937, he married his wife Alice. Then with Fitzhugh Scott, Jr., they built Stevens and Alice’s first house which is now one of Milwaukee’s most significant examples of modernist architecture. A major piece of history for Milwaukee Industrial Design. Not only did Brooks Stevens build and design for himself, but he also began delivering lectures on “Industrial Design and its Practical Application to Industry.” Through these talks, Stevens would try to share the message with his audience that design would pay for itself many times over. 

His legacy did not stop there. During World War II, Stevens executed a few designs with a military application, and converted military manufacturing into civilian consumer products. He also became the only Midwestern founder of the Society of Industrial Designers. He had a show at the Milwaukee Art Institute in 1950, and got a lot of popularity from the press. This was a huge event for the Milwaukee Art Institute. Stevens also created an Auto Museum, which had his design of vehicles on display. In 1954, Stevens was asked to state his favorite design among all of the firms that he had. His response was “none” because every single one would have to be redesigned for the new ideas of tomorrow. This is what makes Brooks Stevens so admirable because he knows that true design is always needing to be adapted and changed. 

On January 4th, 1995, Brooks Stevens passed away. Due to Stevens’ love for industrial design, and his fathers crippling illness, Brooks was handed challenges starting at a young age. Fortunately for the history of industrial design of Milwaukee, Brooks Stevens never stopped his love for building and designing. Even when he could have gone to New York, where his profession was starting to take off, he stayed in Milwaukee since he believed that is where the business was. Milwaukee was home. 

[avithyssen]

Week Eight - Industrial Design

Halfway through the semester already? That is crazy! Time flies when you are learning about design! Below I provided images of design observations that I see in the world around me. 

The first picture that I linkes is notes that I took earlier on in this course because they have helped me focus on design on its own, and how many different ways it can be applied. For example, I never knew that design could also be a profession or an experience, but these notes help keep my mind open. 

This second pictures looks like a bunch of blankets, but they are on top of my futon. This resembles design because it serves multiple purposes for the end user. For example, it can be laid down like it is now, to pose as a bed, and it can also be put up to turn into a couch. The end can also go up to be arm rests,  so in all the design thinking behind this futon was incredible, and made to make the user comfortable in whatever position they choose. 

These are three chairs that I drew that are examples of Mies Van Der Rohe who designed steel frame furniture from 1927 to 1930.  Each chair provides a different aspect of design that would favor to individuals needs. The second chair is probably the most padded, but the third chair is the most sturdy, and small things like that. 

This is another picture of my notes, but this time it is focused on architecture from our history book. I thought that this was actually a fun assignment because it was cool to see the old designs transform into what they are today. 

This is a picture of a shoe rack that my brother made me for my apartment. This is an aspect of design because it completes a goal for the end user by having an organized place to put their shoes. There are also multiple ways that shoe racks can be designed to fit anyone’s style. 

The UWM bridge is an example of architectural design and is significant for drivers and students. The bridge over the road provides an easy way to walk across without having to deal with the busy street, which is also convenient for cars so they do not have to keep stopping for students crossing. 

I drew some road signs because I see this everyday when I am driving. Road signs are an element of design because they help prevent accidents. Without rules of the road, everyone would drive how they want and the road would be a mess. Road signs save pedestrians, drivers, and even pets. 

This is a picture of my server apron and notebook that I use to write down customers orders. I work on Oakland as a server, and looking back at midterm, ny job is actually an aspect of design! Design can be occupational because I provide service for customers to have a good experience at the restaurant and get good food, and I get paid which benefits me as an end user of my workday. 

This is my coffee table in my living room that was easy to put together adn is the perfect size. The table has multi purposes so I can store blankets underneath, and a little shelf in the middle for whatever I need. Even if you did not like this design, there are so many other options out there that fit anyone’s personal liking, which is why coffee tables are such a unique aspect of design. 

My last picture was obviously taken from a plane, which is my favorite place to be. Come to find out, an airplane is an example of design because of the transportation aspect, and also the profession part of it. Not only does an airplane provide fast transportation for those who have to travel far, but it also provides jobs for pilots and flight attendants. 

[avithyssen]

Week Seven - Architecture

Universal Design as a whole is the design of products and space to be usable by all people, without excessive adaptation or segregation. There are seven Principles of Universal Design that a large working group of authors established. The two principles that I am focusing on are Equitable Use, and Simple and Intuitive Use. 

Equitable Use is convenient for those with diverse abilities. An example that we see on a regular basis are carts at the grocery store. There are ones that you are able to push regularly, or there are carts that are attached to motor seats for those who cannot walk for long periods of time, or at all. This provides the same means for all users because they are provided with an area to put their groceries either way. This also goes along with safety so that nobody has to overexert themselves to do things that they have a hard time physically doing. Another example is the chairs that you can adjust with a lever underneath for varying heights. This is appealing to all users and provides an equal opportunity for those of lower height to be able to bring their height up, and vice versa for those who are taller. The last example I have is an interpreter that stands on the side of the stage during theatrical performances. Those who are hard of hearing are able to sit anywhere in the auditorium while still being able to see the interpreter that is on the stage. This makes the show appealing for those who are hard of hearing and those who are not, and avoids segregation because the interpreter is not targeting a specific person, but there for whoever needs their service. 

Simple and Intuitive Use is where the design is easy to understand, regardless of experience, knowledge, or concentration level at the current time. An example that reminded me of this was an oral thermometer that you would use when you are sick. There is no complexity with this, and all you have to do is turn it on and put the metal point under your tongue. After you do this task, you are provided with feedback of what your temperature is. Another example is the gas pedal while you are driving. The expectations are very clear because if you press down on the pedal you go faster, and if you do not press it then you will not move. The only important thing to know with this is what pedal is the gas and which one is the brake, but overall it is a pretty simple topic. My last example is also related to driving, and is something we see everyday. Traffic lights are simple and intuitive in their design because no matter what literacy or language skills you have, everyone knows what the three colors mean (red, yellow, and green). Compared to other street signs that are placed on the roads, the colors are less complex because you know exactly what to do when the color appears. 

These are just two examples of the seven Principles of Universal Design that are out there. Learning about design just keeps getting more interesting!

[avithyssen]

Week Six - Architecture

On Tuesdays, one of my favorite parts of the day is walking through the architecture building on campus, as a shortcut to another class. This past Tuesday when I was thinking about this assignment, I noticed an architectural element as I was walking out of the building, and took a picture right away. This stairway has always caught my eye because of the unique structure it has of having three walls surrounding it like it is in a building, but one wall is not attached to give the stairs an exterior feature. I feel like this is a very charming element of architecture because it is combining interior and exterior features. 

Another architectural element that is a highlight of Milwaukee are the Mitchell Domes. When I first moved to Milwaukee and heard of the domes, they were immediately put onto my Milwaukee bucket list. There are three glass domes: the Show Dome, Tropical Dome and Desert Dome. They are a significant example of mid century modern architecture since they are the world’s first cone-shaped domes. Even though I have not gone, I have heard that the space is truly like the designated design. I cannot wait to experience this amazing piece of architecture!

An architectural element that is also popular is the Milwaukee Art Museum. I do not have a picture of the structure, and would not be able to draw the characteristics very well. However, if you look up the Milwaukee Art Museum you will see a variety of fascinating images. One major design of this architectural arrangement that catches peoples eye is the moveable, wing-like sunscreen that rests on top of the glass-enclosed building. This architectural element is iconic because it represents a futuristic design that shows the modernization of buildings to come.  

One of the main reasons that I took this course was because of the architectural aspect, so I cannot wait to dive deeper into the text!

[avithyssen]

Week Five - History of Design

Designs are always being adapted and renovated to the current style. However, do you ever wonder how far back these designs that you see everyday go? After reading a couple chapters out of my graphic design textbook, I spotted numerous images that reminded me of design styles that I see spread out throughout my daily routine. 

This image is from the graphic design book that I cited below, that resembles spiral staircases. An interesting fact about me is that I love these types of stairs, so when I ran into this picture I was very intrigued. On page 193 in my graphic design textbook, Tatlin’s Monument was featured, showing its spiral skeletal structure. As stated in the description below the image, the design was made out of glass and iron, as well as painted wood. The range of materials that you can make stairs out of now is wide, but I know a lot of modern houses use a majority of these three items. Looking deeper into the image, I noticed that there is actually a spiral staircase behind this structure, which is almost hard to see since it blends right into the circling design. Even though this 1920 Monument was designed to reach a height of 1,3000 feet, it still plays the same purpose as smaller spiral staircases by providing people a way to get to higher levels. 

I took this picture in the same book to show the more older clocks, compared to what we have today. While many people use their phone for daily alarms, there is still a good handful of individuals who like using digital clocks. On page 261 of my textbook, I came across this picture and immediately was comparing and contrasting between clocks back in 1933 versus now. The materials and ornamental geometric lines of this timekeeper resembles how there were different standards to meet for design than there is today. Nowadays almost all of our clocks are digital with LED displays and customizable options. While all clocks were invented to tell the time for users, most of them are used for decorative or space-fillers. However, it is still a feature of design since it was created to solve a problem. 

My third example from the readings that correlates to design that I see regularly are these sets of symbols. The symbols pictured were created for a United States invasion if there were to ever be one. Each symbol indicates a different role for the Citizens’ Defense Corps to follow. Beyond each symbol was the same triangle shape though, because Coiner, the creator, wanted a universal symbol. These signals were memorized specifically for their purpose, which is just like our road signs that we have now. Although we use a lot more shapes, they still all have their own purpose just like the ones listed in the image above. Coiner created these signs as a meaning of safety and communication, and it might even have been the start of our road signs that now keep us safe! 

Cited Sources:

Eskilson, S. J. (2019). Graphic design: A new history. Yale University Press.

[avithyssen]

Additional Post :)

I do not know if anyone went outside today, but it is beautiful! With the recent wind gusts and sudden snow bursts, today is perfect. I do not always like Sundays because I always connect them with the end to a fun weekend, and having to say goodbye to the people I spent that time with, so today was a good way to get my mind in a better mood. Since the weather decided to sneak in a warmer day, I decided to go for a walk, and could not help but notice other elements of design that are lurking around. 

As I mentioned in my last post for week four, I usually take my cousins’ two dogs with me when I go out. This time while I was walking them I noticed I was literally holding a piece of design ... a leash! In fact I was actually holding two! This got me thinking about how design is always developing and coming up with different ways to satisfy the buyers. First, the creator has to make many different sizes, since not all dogs are the same size. For example, my 90-pound yellow labrador needs a way bigger size than my 15-pound teddy bear dog. Then, the designer got creative and instead of having a regular, nylon leash that is already a strict size, they created a leash that allows you to control the length of the rope with a push of a button. This way you can determine where your dog can wander or if you want them right next to you rather than using up the whole length of the leash. This design technique makes walking dogs a lot more convenient for owners, especially in high traffic areas. 

I could go on a whole other tangent about how there are also a lot of different design varieties in harnesses too, but I think you are starting to get the point. Design is everywhere!!

[avithyssen]

Week Four - Found Object

This assignment landed at a perfect time because the weather was beautiful on Wednesday! While listening to the radio on my way to class I heard that it got all the way up to 50 degrees! Luckily I did not have any obligations to be at until 3:15pm so I was able to take advantage of the warmth and go for a walk. I recently moved to Milwaukee so I find everything about the area fascinating, and always find new obsessions every time I go out. I live with my cousin and her husband, and they have two small dogs that I took with me for some fresh air. 

On my walk I saw numerous elements of design. One example that is an obvious element of design is houses. I feel like a lot of areas in Milwaukee are lined with houses right next to each other, however, they are individually unique. Throughout my route I saw some big antique-looking houses, big and renovated houses, some small homes, and a lot in between. Even though some of the houses were renovated, I could still tell that they were older, just because of the difference in structure that people lean towards nowadays. As I was looking at the houses I also noticed the outdoor furniture that some people had out on the porch, as well as decorative string lights. While these items can be for looks, they also serve the purpose of giving people a comfortable place to sit. The lights are also a cute decoration, but their concept of design is the goal of having light in order to see while sitting on the porch. I feel like many years ago people used elements of design just how they were made, without the extra trinkets that have been applied throughout recent years. Nowadays, people shop for items that they need, but they care a lot about the aesthetics. 

Another element of design that I saw was stop signs. Although they are not very charming, they were created to solve a big problem....accidents! In drivers education, one of the main rules of the road were to pay attention to stop signs, because they were created for a reason. Besides the obvious purpose, they are also designed in an octagonal shape with a red background which is a universal road signal for ‘stop.’ For example, down below I drew a comparison of a stop sign with a red light. These are similar in that they both tell drivers to ‘stop,’ but they look a little different. A stop sign never changes and is a wood sign, whereas a traffic light is always changing from red, yellow, and green. However, both a traffic light and a stop sign were created to solve a problem for drivers on the road. 

I really enjoyed getting fresh air while also expanding my knowledge on the different types of design that I see every day, but do not even realize. With all of these different creations from multiple inventors, our world is made up of various kinds of elements of design that solve problems for each user that comes across it, we just need to pay attention to notice them. 

[avithyssen]

Week Three - History Of Design

Design is creating something that solves a problem for the end user. When we think about design, we tend to think about the pretty stuff. However, design can be a range of things like a profession, a skill, even an experience. Design theory is a combination of design principles that designers use before beginning their creation. In the ten photos below, I explain the purpose behind the designs I chose, and how they are considered to be design. 

This is a photo I took one night as I was walking to my car. Cars are a great example of design because they solve a problem for the end user: being able to get from place to place quickly and conveniently. There are a lot of small design aspects that go into a car like the exterior, the wheels, heated seats, digital features, and much more. However, the end goal of having convenient driving for everyone was created to solve a problem of people being late by taking the bus, or not having enough money to travel by plane or train when the distance was too far. 

This is a photo my brother took on my phone of my boyfriend and I in front of the Brewers Stadium. For this assignment, the highlight of the photo is the stadium. I live right across from the stadium, so I drive past it every day. Since this class, I realized the design thinking that went into this building. Design can be an experience, a profession, and also a building of architecture, which are all qualities of this stadium. The end goal for this design was for baseball players to have a job, for individuals to come and make memories, and also the cool features that go into it like the top being able to open and close. Before this class I never looked that deeply into the Brewers Stadium, but now I realize the design thinking that went into it. 

This is a photograph of me and my fellow classmates after we received our certification as Certified Nursing Assistants. Before this class there would be no way I would think that this could be a strategy of design. However, design can be a profession. By getting my CNA license, I am on the track to go to nursing school, and one day get a job as a nurse. This ultimately solved a problem for me setting myself up for success, and for my future patients and workforce since they will have another nurse on staff. 

This is a picture that I took of a house that I babysit for. I took this picture because of the exterior design, so it is pretty obvious the thinking that went into it. However, even though it looks aesthetically pleasing with the hanging lights and wood deck, it also serves the purpose of hosting people and giving this family a warm place to live. This house was created to solve their problem of not having a roof over their head, while also incorporating their style into the architecture. 

This fan is an observation of design! Why? Because it solves the problem of an individual being too hot, and having the ability to turn on the fan to cool off. It is also where light comes from in order for the person to be able to see around their home. In this case, the fan is in my home and I took this picture. In the summer, it is important when the upstairs gets too hot, and I also use the light on a daily basis. 

I took this photo in my moms car not even realizing the design thinking that went into it. Every time I get into my car, I set my water bottle in my cup holder. If I go through a drive-thru and get something, like Dunkin, I set it in the cup holder. What if we didn’t have cup holders? If it was not for design thinking, we wouldn’t. Someone created cup holders to solve the problem of car users needing a place to set their drinks. Are you getting the hang of this whole design thing? Fascinating, huh?!

This image that my mom took on my phone has a couple examples of design. The first one is the mountain behind us that is a part of our built environment, which is an aspect of design. While we cannot really control that, it does look pretty for photos which attracts people to this state. Another design thinking aspect is the experience! My brother got married in Arizona! The planning that goes into a wedding is a great example of design thinking because it is creating a loving experience for a couple and their family to show their love. So to prove my younger self wrong, design is not just interior and exterior decorations. 

Obviously by looking at this image we can see that there is an interior design thinking that went behind this. As well as the looks though, it also produces heat. Even though it is not turned on in the picture, the fire place was created to keep people warm in their homes. 

I have carried this water bottle around every day since the beginning of this semester and never thought to realize how design plays a role in it. Water is very important, but so is keeping it cold! With the design creation of this Hydro Flask, I am able to carry my water with me wherever I go, and keep it cool at the same time. It also has the feature of a straw, which in my opinion helps me drink water faster. Without water bottles, the world would be parched! Thanks to someones intelligent creation though, all water bottle users had their problem solved before it was even a problem. 

You might be thinking, a baby is a piece of design? Well, no. But the stroller he is sitting in is. Do you know how tiring it would be for a mother to carry around her child all day, or get them to walk alongside her? With this design thinking strategy, a stroller was created in order for parents to travel easier with their children. The stroller also has different features like cup holders and storage underneath which is more of the appealing look of design. 

[avithyssen]

Week Two - Design Thinking

Before reading Design Thinking from the Harvard Business Review, I would define design as something that is created to fulfill one’s needs and wants. After I have read this informative article, my new definition of design would be creating innovative ideas rather than focusing on aesthetics. Design is like a process and an end goal, rather than a material thing.  

One example of design thinking in a product I use, and many others as well, are vehicles. Of course a car would be part of design because of all the different qualities, seat cover options, and electronic features, but the basis of a vehicle being able to transport is what people want and need in their lives. Thomas Edison’s electric lightbulb invention was an example of design thinking because of peoples favored way of receiving light, and the need for light. My car that I use every day is also an example because I need it to get to certain places at required times. If I did not have my car, I would also be able to use other transportation systems that came from design thinking. This was explained towards the end of the article when patients were requiring surgery, but access to transportation was a problem. The India Aravind Eye Care System stated that they “screened more than 5000,000 patients” and “113,000 required surgery” (Brown, 2008, pg. 91). Their end goal was to help their patients receive the surgery that they need, and they observed what needed to be done and provided it. The thought processing behind vehicles is super apparent to design thinking with the way they are made and provided to be accessible for all. 

Another example of design thinking that stood out to me was the techniques Kaiser Permanente were teaching hospital staff. Kaiser Permanente’s goal was to not only teach “design thinking techniques to nurses, doctors, and administrators” to improve the quality of experiences for patients and providers, but also to “inspire its practitioners to contribute new ideas” (Brown, 2008, pg. 86). This shows a perfect example of how design thinking can also be a career. Although we do not realize it, design is everywhere, even in my future profession in the health field. I will always be trying to help my patient understand what they experience during their visit, provide them the care that they prefer based on religion or age or gender, while also innovating new ideas with my coworkers. 

After watching videos on the lecture of design, and reading Design Thinking, and 5 New Design Careers, I now know that design can be a range of things including a profession, an experience, or even a form of communication. Many people relate design to an easy and straight-forward task, just like the 5 New Design Career text explained in the first paragraph. However, when we dive deeper into the topic we realize that design can be anything with a goal, which is always advancing in order to satisfy the intended audience’s desires. 

Cited Sources:

Brown, T. (2008, June). Design thinking. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved February 3, 2022, from https://hbr.org/2008/06/design-thinking

5 new design careers for the 21st Century. IDEO. (2014, July 22). Retrieved February 3, 2022, from https://designthinking.ideo.com/blog/5-new-design-careers-for-the-21st-century

[avithyssen]

Week One - About Me

Hello! My name is Avianna Thyssen, I am eighteen years old, and I attend the University of Milwaukee. I am a first year student, so this will be my second semester of college! My intended major is Nursing, but in high school I had a short period where I wanted to be an interior designer. I am the youngest in my family, and only girl. I have a 22-year old brother and a 26-year old brother. I am originally from Appleton, Wisconsin, which is only about an hour and a half drive. At the age of two years old I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes, so growing up I have always needed to be organized and responsible. I feel that this ties in with a lot of my design interests and way of thinking. 

The main reason I am enrolled in Design Survey is to complete my GER art credit. However, I specifically chose this course because of my interest in interior design and beautiful architecture. In high school I took an interior design class where we decorated a house, a locker, and watched a variety of home design shows. That was right when COVID-19 put everyone into quarantine though, so we did everything online, just like this course will be. With that, I can say that I do have some relevant experience in design, but I have a lot more to learn. 

Most of my inspiration comes from Pinterest. In the app I have different categories for all of my pins which include all different types of plans for my future home. I like an open space, and not too many decorations that the area looks cluttered. I also love when things are labeled (like bins in kitchen pantry’s), and decorations are neatly arranged. I enjoy exterior design as well. One pattern that really interests me is gray siding, white borders, and stone accents. There are some very beautiful houses that incorporate black on the outside too, that really make their home look clean and modern. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to get my own place and decorate it how I want. I love the modern look and just having everything neat and in place. This past year I finally got my own rental space. I have a “dream binder” just like some individuals have Pinterest boards. While decorating this space, design was a huge deciding factor. Since I love the modern look I was interested in more of the black, white, and gray color scheme, and wanted the layout to match so nothing looked out of place. When it comes to decorating, I am pretty picky, and design is definitely a factor over a competitor. For example, just the other day I was trying to pick out a picture frame collage to put wedding photographs in. I was deciding between two very similar frames, but in the end I chose one based on the style and relevance to the rest of the additions in my house. 

I am excited for what this Design Survey course has to offer, and I look forward to meeting fellow students who are interested in design!