Kelly’s Design Visual Diary

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Visual Diary 13: Post 1

While shopping at a very busy urban HEB (for you non-Texans, it’s the greatest grocery store ever created), I noticed a small but very impactful example of a brilliant design solution. The parking garage has lights above each spot that are red if taken or green if available. In a really crowded and bustling space, this feature is extremely helpful in making decisions about where to go when people are rushing you and you are in a hurry to get into the store.

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Visual Diary 12, Post 1

IKEA is a company that is working on responsible design leadership. I reviewed their 2023 Sustainability Report and they explain their multilevel approach to achieving a more financially, socially, and environmentally responsible model. I think the affordability of IKEA products coupled with the impact they have on their employees and communities is inspiring to think of the kind of place I want to end up at as a design leader

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Visual Diary 6, Post 2: Tangible Design Leadership Tool: Trend Mapping

Trend Mapping is a tool that is useful and can drive innovation when used early on in a new wave of products. Water bottles and cups are experiencing a very trend driven pattern right now, sparked by social media. Stanley tumblers were made popular by relatable influencers promoting their 40oz handle cups. Just about any brand who has a similar product line has created their own version of this size cup, each trying to outdo the last.

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Visual Diary 6, Post 1: Abstract Design Leadership Tool: Feedback

An abstract design tool that is prevalent in most products, or at least should be, is feedback. I wanted to highlight an example of design leadership that I think creators did an exceptional job at listening to and implementing feedback. AirPods have gone through many iterations and Apple has taken user feedback into consideration each time, through changing features and actual physical shape.

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Visual Diary 4: Service vs. Helping Designs

I have many friends and family who are nurses. Two of them, my sister and my best friend, have transitioned over the past two years from bedside hospital nursing to retail IV spaces. While providing IVs to customers is still helping them to feel better, it is moreso a service they are providing. They claim to be much less stressed and more fulfilled with their outside of work lifestyle than they were at the bedside. People who pay for IV treatments are also getting a much different experience than someone who requires an IV for medical reasons. At some of the retail spaces they also have other wellness services like HBOT chambers that are typically used in a hospital setting for patients with lung cancer.

Photo source: https://infusionnurse.org/2015/02/17/life-is-full-of-risks/

Life is full of risks…

…so is nursing and any nursing specialty, yet we practice our profession fearless, taking potential risks to provide care for our patients.

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Visual Diary: Human-Centered Design

Grow lights and greenhouse cabinets are examples of taking a problem and designing to close a gap. Many people have an appreciation and love for plants, including those that live in exotic climates. Artificial lighting and humidity control are important to have happy and healthy houseplants especially when you live in a climate that is not naturally sufficient for the plant species you are growing.

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I was sitting here looking for inspiring examples of human centered design when I realized I’m sitting in one. I’m visiting my sister for a few days and she stays in a fifth wheel camper. Looking around, there are many thoughtful features that show an understanding of a human’s daily needs. The space is very customizable and can be altered easily to fit whatever the person using the camper needs most. For example, the dining room nook off of the kitchen features a small but spacious table that can easily be folded to reveal more floor/storage space. The bathroom has cabinets that can be used for towel and linen storage, clothes hanging, or a washer and dryer can be installed. The living room furniture is well secured for moving days but it is also fairly easy to take out. My sister has taken one of her couches out so she can install a wardrobe since she does not entertain many people at once and she owns a lot of clothes.

I think these features focus more on the needs of the user than the aesthetic or form of the design itself.

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Wicked problems such as nicotine products are prevalent locally and globally. I personally do not use any form of nicotine but my good friend is a habitual vaper. When I am with her and she runs out of “juice” we must stop and purchase a new vape. She chooses by browsing the packaging and is typically drawn to the ones that match her aesthetic closest. I see this as a wicked problem because designers of these products have knowledge that their designs will contribute to addiction and health risks for consumers. It makes me think whether I would trade money or business deals for my ethical duties to others if put in a position to decide.

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Modern architecture and infrastructure found in South Korea and Japan are excellent examples of human centric design leadership.