Beginning of Project III - Beautiful Solutions
In this project, we will form and utilize a process for assessing objects. Understanding that even the simplest products have a complex makeup, it will be your task to discover each facet of an object’s design anatomy. This exploration will aid you in deciding whether a singular design has succeeded in accomplishing its intended goals. As well, knowing ultimately not all design is good design.
Unlike writers, composers, and dancers whose media are words, sounds, and bodily movement—a designer fashions tangible matter (Why We Make Things 2013). Every object we encounter is an embodiment of an incredible amount of meaning and identity. These objects aid us in our daily lives physically and emotionally. They compliment our personalities, our sense of style, and speak to who we are and who we wish to be.
Your first mission will be to uncover three successfully designed objects you deem personally useful. The catch is that these objects should be non-electric and easily transportable. They should be seen as solutions to problems you encounter in you everyday life.
Throughout this project you will create concept maps and prototypes that uncover meanings, concepts and ideas that surround our relationship with a “designed object”. Many of these details lie beyond what we normally and superficially recognize.
Using brainstorming strategies—such as analogy, random input, and precedent—we will form matrices and morphologies that elucidate every aspect of an object’s design, context, interaction, use, and lifespan. These skills will be learned both in class by watching the Objectified and IDEO Deep Dive videos as well as through reading The Writer’s Toolbox and Understanding Comics.
The Shakers have a proverb that says,"Do not make something unless it is both necessary and useful; but if it is both, do not hesitate to make it beautiful."
This project will attempt to create a connection with the products we consume. We often consider the things we buy as disposable, easily replaceable, and we purchase without discrimination. We throw away anything that is damaged in a minor way or has simply gone out of style. We can change this learned behavior by harnessing our human skill for adaptation, ability to be resourceful and generate solutions.
As creative people, making things has the ability to further our connection with the everyday objects we use. To create and design with a purpose and, in turn, further the connection between our designs and the people that utilize them. These newfound skills will empower us to improve our current and future surroundings.
Throughout the project make documentation a central part of your design process. Keep track of your thoughts in all mediums—sketches, photographs, matrixes, quotes, etc. This will help immensely in guiding your research and realizing the way in which you work most successfully and productively.
