The final two chapters of the Heskett book were called "Contexts" and "Futures."
"Contexts" is about how contexts that designers are in affect their work. There are three main contexts: professional organization (how designers see themselves), business, and government policy. The chapter explains how design is a unique profession that is not dependent on many large organizations. Some large organizations exist, such as AIGA, but the USA does not have a design policy (pg 123). The reason being that design is so arbitrary that it would be hard for the government to support. Design is mainly an independent profession, and although affected by these contexts, is not dependent on them. The last paragraph of the chapter cites a fourth context for design: public opinion. This is the context in which the public understands and interprets design. It seems that the public doesn't realize the extent to which design affects them and their lives. I certainly didn't before taking this course.
"Futures" describes the evolution of design. It predicts that design will continue to evolve much the same way it has historically: in layers, rather than linear. The concepts that are prevalent in design now will be pushed and expanded a little at a time. People in poverty and "third-world" countries provide the most need for designers and the field of design to expand to them. Design is beginning to be more conscious of people's needs and of the environment both on large and small scales. It is clear the we need designers who can push the field further into these areas and who will be willing to educate themselves and understand the world around them and the field of design.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
J10: final thoughts on the course
This class has been great to give me a brief overview of design history, concepts, and processes. I thought it was organized effectively and participatory.
There were a few things I didn't like about the course. We read two books that we never talked about in class, and only responded to in our blogs. I would have liked to talk about the readings in class in order to make them more concrete and correlate better with the other material we learned.
I loved how Gabe Tippery was laid back and fun. He encouraged creativity and made a comfortable class where everyone talked to everyone else. I could tell he loves to teach. Sometimes, however, he didn't motivate me to complete assignments because I didn't feel that he really cared about the work.
The blog format was interesting and something I've never done for a class before. I enjoyed trying something new. I also liked that there were no tests. However, I felt that the course was almost too basic and easy and didn't adequately prepare those of us who want to take the design exam. We talked about the exam a little bit, but it sounds like it's a really tough process and one that's very competitive. The laid back atmosphere of the class didn't provide preparation for a strenuous exam.
Although there were some things that could be improved, Design 200 is a good basic course and one that I'm glad I've taken. I feel that I have a better idea of what design is and how it works. I'm still on the fence about my major, but at least I have more tools to decide.
There were a few things I didn't like about the course. We read two books that we never talked about in class, and only responded to in our blogs. I would have liked to talk about the readings in class in order to make them more concrete and correlate better with the other material we learned.
I loved how Gabe Tippery was laid back and fun. He encouraged creativity and made a comfortable class where everyone talked to everyone else. I could tell he loves to teach. Sometimes, however, he didn't motivate me to complete assignments because I didn't feel that he really cared about the work.
The blog format was interesting and something I've never done for a class before. I enjoyed trying something new. I also liked that there were no tests. However, I felt that the course was almost too basic and easy and didn't adequately prepare those of us who want to take the design exam. We talked about the exam a little bit, but it sounds like it's a really tough process and one that's very competitive. The laid back atmosphere of the class didn't provide preparation for a strenuous exam.
Although there were some things that could be improved, Design 200 is a good basic course and one that I'm glad I've taken. I feel that I have a better idea of what design is and how it works. I'm still on the fence about my major, but at least I have more tools to decide.
J09: Coleman Process Documentation
My team was the Jacks: David, Payton, and Kylie.
Our presentation is here: http://prezi.com/pbpdn_wcehpu/ustemsils/ and is also embedded in Kylie's blog.
Our project was a "ustemsil," which is a handle that comes with different attachments for cooking. It's best to use in small spaces, such as apartments. We were interested in working with the versatility and compactness of Coleman products and creating something that could help the company branch into the home goods department. We thought this was a great idea because it's based off of the swiss army knife idea which is a tool commonly used when camping. We also thought it was a great transition for Coleman to branch into home goods since it's close to what they do best, yet innovative enough to help them expand.
Our group worked really well together. Together we explored Prezi and Google Sketchup both of which none of us had used before. Kylie put together the presentation and did sketches, David worked on Sketchup to design the handle and the kiosk, Payton redesigned the logo and the packaging, and I helped with product design and did sketches. Everything was split pretty evenly between the team.
I felt that I did well with the sketches for the group, and also offered suggestions on the other team members' work. I think I could have done better by taking on more of a workload and being more of a leader. However, I felt we had some pretty strong leaders in the group already and it wouldn't have been good to have too many leaders.
I think our presentation went really well. We were able to articulate our product and answer questions surrounding it. It was nice to put the concepts we've been learning all quarter to work.
Our presentation is here: http://prezi.com/pbpdn_wcehpu/ustemsils/ and is also embedded in Kylie's blog.
Our project was a "ustemsil," which is a handle that comes with different attachments for cooking. It's best to use in small spaces, such as apartments. We were interested in working with the versatility and compactness of Coleman products and creating something that could help the company branch into the home goods department. We thought this was a great idea because it's based off of the swiss army knife idea which is a tool commonly used when camping. We also thought it was a great transition for Coleman to branch into home goods since it's close to what they do best, yet innovative enough to help them expand.
Our group worked really well together. Together we explored Prezi and Google Sketchup both of which none of us had used before. Kylie put together the presentation and did sketches, David worked on Sketchup to design the handle and the kiosk, Payton redesigned the logo and the packaging, and I helped with product design and did sketches. Everything was split pretty evenly between the team.
I felt that I did well with the sketches for the group, and also offered suggestions on the other team members' work. I think I could have done better by taking on more of a workload and being more of a leader. However, I felt we had some pretty strong leaders in the group already and it wouldn't have been good to have too many leaders.
I think our presentation went really well. We were able to articulate our product and answer questions surrounding it. It was nice to put the concepts we've been learning all quarter to work.
CR05
The last two classes for Design 200 were watching my classmate's presentations for assignment 5: coleman for the home. I thought most of the presentations were interesting, and there are definitely some creative thinkers in my class. I could tell which teams really put a lot of effort into their projects and which teams didn't. I thought some of the ideas were a little too far-fetched and didn't match Coleman's values. I don't see Coleman as a very high-tech company. I think they mainly supply simple, yet innovative camping supplies, so I don't think they would branch into the home goods department using technology. However, the presentations that involved high tech gadgets were well put together and thought out. Also, some of the teammates talked way too long and some of the technology they used went over my head and wasn't adequately explained. Overall, I think the presentations were great and that whichever classmates choose to major in design will do well.
Monday, May 16, 2011
CR04
There isn't a lot to review for the Course Reflection since most of what we've been doing is working in groups on our "Coleman for the Home" project. It has been interesting to see what the teams have come up with and how we can work so well with people we don't know that well. It's also been great to get Gabe's input and see his perspective on our ideas. Since we are all new to design for the most part, I think it's fun to see how creative we can be without having much background in what's technically "right."
I'm a little stressed to make sure our group finishes our project on time, but also excited to present it to the class and see how they react. I'm pretty pumped to see what everyone else has come up with, too, and how they finalize their projects. It's also been great to see people use Google Sketch Up and try a hand in working with some computer programs.
We've been theorizing about design all quarter, and now it's time to put it into practice. This will really tell who likes design as a career and who would prefer a different path.
I'm a little stressed to make sure our group finishes our project on time, but also excited to present it to the class and see how they react. I'm pretty pumped to see what everyone else has come up with, too, and how they finalize their projects. It's also been great to see people use Google Sketch Up and try a hand in working with some computer programs.
We've been theorizing about design all quarter, and now it's time to put it into practice. This will really tell who likes design as a career and who would prefer a different path.
J08: Media Review
I chose the topic of Legal Issues in Design. The classes where we watched the Remixer's Manifesto video were particularly interesting to me, as well as the concept of constraints on design due to legal issues. Legal issues are not always the most fun to talk about, and most creative people don't like to be restrained by rules. However, working within the law is necessary in order to have a successful design business and to get clients to hire you. I wanted to mainly research copyright law with regards to graphic designers, and legal contracts between clients and designers.
1. I found information on copyright law from AIGA. The information is located on their website: http://cpm.aiga.org/legal_issues/copyright-basics-for-graphic-designers
This is a good website that defines what exactly a copyright is ("exclusive right to control reproduction and commercial exploitation of your creative work"). It also gives some tips about how to use copyright law, including if you should own your copyrights or if the client should (this website recommends that you always own your copyrights-not the client). It also gets into the issues of infringement (when someone uses your work without your permission), and fair use, which we talked extensively about in class. Fair use limits infringement in non-commercial and educational settings as well as parodies. Another thing I found interesting was that you have copyright ownership as soon as you create a work, but that ownership does not mean much until you register your copyright with the government. Registration should be done as soon as possible even though it is costly.
2. This is information on fair use in copyright law that comes directly from the government: http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html.
The web page states that "The distinction between fair use and infringement may be unclear and not easily defined." This is an obvious reason why so many lawsuits have occurred over fair use. It also states that one must get permission from the copyright owner rather than the copyright office in order to use a work. Qualities that make a reproduction fair use are included in the article as well. The most common is for education.
3. I found this website that is a database for all questions about copyright law and fair use: http://fairuse.stanford.edu/Copyright_and_Fair_Use_Overview/
This page provides and extensive list of all questions relating to copyright and fair use and is a great resource for all designers. If you have a question, you can just click on one of the links and be provided with a great deal of information that answers your questions accurately and concisely. A blog is also included on the site as well as a link to top news that keeps the reader up to date on all things related to copyright law, infringement, and fair use.
4. This is a basic webpage that provides information on contracts for graphic designers: http://graphicdesign.about.com/od/contracts/a/contract.htm
I thought this page was helpful, since it gives step by step instructions on how to put together a contract between graphic designers and clients. It outlines the payment plans, copyright law, materials, and time frame plans. It doesn't give specific instructions on what is best to put for each specific item, but it's a great starting point for what to include.
5. This page sets out the basics for freelance designers interacting with clients: http://freelancedesign.lifetips.com/cat/61542/graphic-designers/index.html
I thought this page was good since it was easy to read, and provided guidelines for how to best work with your clients and make the most out of your work. Summarizes 34 tips on working with clients as well as tips for clients as they hire a designer. Also includes some helpful tips on contracts and law.
1. I found information on copyright law from AIGA. The information is located on their website: http://cpm.aiga.org/legal_issues/copyright-basics-for-graphic-designers
This is a good website that defines what exactly a copyright is ("exclusive right to control reproduction and commercial exploitation of your creative work"). It also gives some tips about how to use copyright law, including if you should own your copyrights or if the client should (this website recommends that you always own your copyrights-not the client). It also gets into the issues of infringement (when someone uses your work without your permission), and fair use, which we talked extensively about in class. Fair use limits infringement in non-commercial and educational settings as well as parodies. Another thing I found interesting was that you have copyright ownership as soon as you create a work, but that ownership does not mean much until you register your copyright with the government. Registration should be done as soon as possible even though it is costly.
2. This is information on fair use in copyright law that comes directly from the government: http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html.
The web page states that "The distinction between fair use and infringement may be unclear and not easily defined." This is an obvious reason why so many lawsuits have occurred over fair use. It also states that one must get permission from the copyright owner rather than the copyright office in order to use a work. Qualities that make a reproduction fair use are included in the article as well. The most common is for education.
3. I found this website that is a database for all questions about copyright law and fair use: http://fairuse.stanford.edu/Copyright_and_Fair_Use_Overview/
This page provides and extensive list of all questions relating to copyright and fair use and is a great resource for all designers. If you have a question, you can just click on one of the links and be provided with a great deal of information that answers your questions accurately and concisely. A blog is also included on the site as well as a link to top news that keeps the reader up to date on all things related to copyright law, infringement, and fair use.
4. This is a basic webpage that provides information on contracts for graphic designers: http://graphicdesign.about.com/od/contracts/a/contract.htm
I thought this page was helpful, since it gives step by step instructions on how to put together a contract between graphic designers and clients. It outlines the payment plans, copyright law, materials, and time frame plans. It doesn't give specific instructions on what is best to put for each specific item, but it's a great starting point for what to include.
5. This page sets out the basics for freelance designers interacting with clients: http://freelancedesign.lifetips.com/cat/61542/graphic-designers/index.html
I thought this page was good since it was easy to read, and provided guidelines for how to best work with your clients and make the most out of your work. Summarizes 34 tips on working with clients as well as tips for clients as they hire a designer. Also includes some helpful tips on contracts and law.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
RR03
The rest of Cradle to Cradle was interesting. Chapter 1 gives a short summary of the Industrial Revolution and its consequences, equating it with the Titanic ship, huge, and disastrous. The Industrial Revolution had plenty of advantages and conveniences, but it also set us on the path of doing damage to our environment. One statistic given is that 90% of our products turn straight into waste. It was also mentioned that the Industrial Revolution ignored diversity in nature and in culture, running like a machine and creating a homogenous environment. It also added stress to our bodies from coming into contact with unknown toxins, which in turn stressed out our immune systems causing diseases such as cancer. These effects were unintentional, but obviously dangerous.
Chapter 2 is titled "Why being "less bad" is no good." It talks about how our thought process is that harm on the environment is unavoidable, so we make it less bad than it would be if we didn't heed it at all. The authors' argument is that we should work on eliminating these effects altogether. They criticize the "eco-efficiency" approach to design, however well-intentioned it may be. They say how "efficiency,"although practical, is not creative, and not enjoyable. One example mentioned is that an "efficient Nazi" is a terrifying thing.
Chapter 3 builds from Chapter 2 and suggests a solution to the eco-efficiency problem. The solution is "eco-effectiveness," and is built on the idea that instead of reducing what we use, we should totally rethink the problem. The book itself is the best example of this concept. The book, instead of choosing soy-based ink and recycled paper, chose to rethink the design of books themselves. They made the book out of completely different materials than ordinary books. This concept is creative, effective, and efficient.
Chapter 4 introduces the meaning of the title of the book, Cradle to Cradle. The chapter is titled "Waste equals food" and explains how nature doesn't leave any waste and we should aim to emulate nature (a theme we have talked about in class.) It describes "biological nutrients" as products that can be returned to the earth. The chapter states that most products can be designed as biological nutrients. Technical nutrients are products that can be reused in the factories to make other products. Between these two types, nearly all of our waste is recyclable. What's not is defined as "unmarketables" and is usually hazardous wastes.
Chapter 5 is titled "respect diversity." It explains how all manufacturers should be conscious of the different environments and cultures in which they make products. We can utilize the resources of a particular area in the most effective way once we learn about the diverse atmosphere. The chapter ends with, "instead of using nature as a mere tool for human purposes, we can strive to become tools of nature who serve its agenda too." This quote explains how, instead of making nature serve us, we can serve nature, and work together.
The last chapter is titled "putting eco-effectiveness into practice." The chapter uses the Ford Motor Company as an example of a manufacturer who has put eco-effectiveness into practice. They remodeled their factories in an eco-friendly way and became the trailblazer for other manufacturers to look up to. Five steps are given that make eco-effectiveness extremely practical for the consumer, the designer, and the manufacturers
Cradle to Cradle is a great book, and one that I will use as a reference if I become a designer, and now as a consumer. It's easy to read and informative. The only complaint I have is that it's extremely heavy compared to other books of its size. But I suppose I could use a workout anyways. The end of the last chapter used Nike as an example of another eco-effective manufacturer. I just read about Nike in another book for my Womens Studies class, only in that article, Nike was criticized for underpaying its (mostly women) laborers in Eastern countries. This brings up another extremely relevant issue with regards to designing and marketing. We must not only be conscious of our effects on the natural environment, but also our effects on the cultural environment in countries where our goods are manufactured and marketed. I believe the two go hand in hand and are extremely important issues to designers. We must be conscious of the way products affect people, and the way the manufacturing of products affect people and invent ways to make the products and the environment better for all.
Chapter 2 is titled "Why being "less bad" is no good." It talks about how our thought process is that harm on the environment is unavoidable, so we make it less bad than it would be if we didn't heed it at all. The authors' argument is that we should work on eliminating these effects altogether. They criticize the "eco-efficiency" approach to design, however well-intentioned it may be. They say how "efficiency,"although practical, is not creative, and not enjoyable. One example mentioned is that an "efficient Nazi" is a terrifying thing.
Chapter 3 builds from Chapter 2 and suggests a solution to the eco-efficiency problem. The solution is "eco-effectiveness," and is built on the idea that instead of reducing what we use, we should totally rethink the problem. The book itself is the best example of this concept. The book, instead of choosing soy-based ink and recycled paper, chose to rethink the design of books themselves. They made the book out of completely different materials than ordinary books. This concept is creative, effective, and efficient.
Chapter 4 introduces the meaning of the title of the book, Cradle to Cradle. The chapter is titled "Waste equals food" and explains how nature doesn't leave any waste and we should aim to emulate nature (a theme we have talked about in class.) It describes "biological nutrients" as products that can be returned to the earth. The chapter states that most products can be designed as biological nutrients. Technical nutrients are products that can be reused in the factories to make other products. Between these two types, nearly all of our waste is recyclable. What's not is defined as "unmarketables" and is usually hazardous wastes.
Chapter 5 is titled "respect diversity." It explains how all manufacturers should be conscious of the different environments and cultures in which they make products. We can utilize the resources of a particular area in the most effective way once we learn about the diverse atmosphere. The chapter ends with, "instead of using nature as a mere tool for human purposes, we can strive to become tools of nature who serve its agenda too." This quote explains how, instead of making nature serve us, we can serve nature, and work together.
The last chapter is titled "putting eco-effectiveness into practice." The chapter uses the Ford Motor Company as an example of a manufacturer who has put eco-effectiveness into practice. They remodeled their factories in an eco-friendly way and became the trailblazer for other manufacturers to look up to. Five steps are given that make eco-effectiveness extremely practical for the consumer, the designer, and the manufacturers
Cradle to Cradle is a great book, and one that I will use as a reference if I become a designer, and now as a consumer. It's easy to read and informative. The only complaint I have is that it's extremely heavy compared to other books of its size. But I suppose I could use a workout anyways. The end of the last chapter used Nike as an example of another eco-effective manufacturer. I just read about Nike in another book for my Womens Studies class, only in that article, Nike was criticized for underpaying its (mostly women) laborers in Eastern countries. This brings up another extremely relevant issue with regards to designing and marketing. We must not only be conscious of our effects on the natural environment, but also our effects on the cultural environment in countries where our goods are manufactured and marketed. I believe the two go hand in hand and are extremely important issues to designers. We must be conscious of the way products affect people, and the way the manufacturing of products affect people and invent ways to make the products and the environment better for all.
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