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Abstract Episode 8: Isle Crawford

Every time I think I have a new favorite episode I always like the next one just as much! What was particularly fascinating to me was this shift from basically, editorial graphic design of interiors to becoming an interior design. While taking experience design this quarter, I was incredibly challenged moving from a two dimensional plane to a 3D space, but Isle does it seamlessly. In a lot of ways, graphic design and interior design seem similar when discussing the need for functionality but making a space beautiful. Obviously, we can’t exist in a two dimensional space, but taking into account as she mentioned, the senses and how it feels to be in a space as opposed to merely experiencing it. 

One of my favorite things Isle said at the beginning of the episode is that design is a tool to enhance humanity, a frame for life. She followed by talking about putting human experience at the beginning of the design process. As I sit here and think about it, a lot of times in graphic design it’s easy to get away with things that are much prettier than they are functional. That maybe it’s more challenging to marry the two, as opposed to an environment. At the same time, perhaps human centered design is more evident in earlier parts of the process, that things are created more out of human experience initially as opposed to executed. I imagine it depends on what it is that’s being designed. I reflect on my own capstone and although things I took into account such as how the jar feels, opening the jar, breaking the seal- it seems more natural and maybe that’s a reflection of poorly designed spaces but I thought about how human centered design is similar and different in these unique mediums. 

Cited Sources

“Isle Crawford.” Abstract: The Art of Design. Netflix. 6 June, 2017. Web.

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Abstract Episode 7:Platon Photography

This has to have been one of my more favorite episodes of Abstract. I think there was a lot more depth shared, or rather a more intimate process that’s present with this designer as opposed to some of the other designers featured in the series. Powell describes his life growing up in Greece, and his father’s architectural black and white sketches affecting the way he would see things, almost as if they became more compositional elements as opposed to rough sketches, was incredible interesting as it later related to his photography. Additionally, his own sketches he would draw resemble more of what I would call, or perhaps recall, as value sketches where it’s less about the line work and more about form. It’s evident that the passion and value sketching in addition to the interpersonal relationship became a part of a larger narrative with photography later on. 

 What really got me on this episode was when he was describing his personal projects along with his trip to Congo. It made me wonder how design, separate from photography has a similar role. If design, by itself can be as impactful as imagery or text? If they could exist a part from each other? Prior to discussing these passion project he talks about getting beat up, I believe in London, and talking to the woman next to him in the hospital bed, asking “Why me?” To which her response was, “why not you?” Then using that response as a way to look at life differently, to look at events and circumstances differently, and be able to place yourself in that situation. It changes the way of looking at creative work, and perhaps give it more voice.

Cited Sources

“Plantain: Photography.” Abstract: The Art of Design. Netflix. 6 June, 2017. Web.

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Abstract Episode 6: Paula Scher

This episode of Abstract focuses on Paula Scher, a graphic designer working at Pentagram in New York. The episode begins as Paula Scher describes her adoration of typography, “typography is painting with words.” In the second scene of the episode, Paula is at work discussing with other designers, using sketches to explain ideas and solve visual problems. The episode revolves around the summer festival posters for the Public Theatre beginning mid digital production, and in between sketching. 

 Paula worked for the Public Theatre since 1994 and recalls her process of giving the theatre its identity. Gaining inspiration from one of her favorite American wood type books, Paula found a way to represent New Yorker’s loud and proud attitude, along with it’s many weights. She had “Public” written out in decreasing type weights, allowing a lot of visual diversity within the brand and among works produced out of the brand. One thing that struck me was what Paula said about how as an audience we can get a feeling based on what the type looks like, even before we read what it says, “sensibility and spirit combined with a meaning is something spectacular.”

 I also really appreciated Paula’s maps. She describes how as a young designer she used to paint all of her own type but since becoming computerized in the late 90’s, she doesn’t have the opportunity to use art supplies; to touch, paint, rip things and she misses that physical aspect of creating. One thing that I’ve appreciated in my design education is this push to create and think outside of the box by making again. This episode is awesome because it expresses the shift from manual design to computerized work. I often times forget this but it’s really cool to see how things used to be made, like the records Paula designed, and applying similar strategies and ideas to current design.

Cites Sources:

“Paula Scher.” Abstract: The Art of Design. Netflix. 4 June, 2017. Web.

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Abstract Episode 5: Ralph Gilles

This episode of Abstract focused on Chrysler car designer, Ralph Gilles. The plot behind this episode mirrored the last in so much that it was a buildup to an exhibition, or a presentation of a concept car interweaving Ralph’s story and how he got to where he is today. Ralph describes growing up and noticing that all the cars around him were kind of ugly and then seeing a Porsche for the first time and wondering, why aren’t there more cars like this one? This led to abundant sketching, and developmental in drawing to the point where his aunt suggested that he send his drawings to Lee Iacocca, to which he received a response encouraging him to pursue design. In the episode Gilles describes his relationship with his father, and the “old fashioned” mentality behind stigmas about design. There were three options: doctor, lawyer, or engineer. So instead of pursuing design he began down the path of engineering, eventually feeling anxious about the direction he was headed. He was sketching all the time, continuing to draw before eventually dropping out. His brother recalls coming home for spring break and finding his brother in the basement amongst piles of car sketches. Telling him that this is something that he needed to pursue and making him stay up all night to get some of the sketches together to send to Chrysler.

What struck me about this episode was the drive and the strong belief Ralph has in this product, in this brand, which as it was mentioned previously in the video, is not very strong. As described though, there are things that he’s done that are bringing credibility to Chrysler because they are different like the Chrysler 300 with it’s heavy front grill. Overall the impression that this episode gave me was about staying true to yourself, and your values. 

Cites Sources:

“Ralph Gilles.” Abstract: The Art of Design. Netflix. 10 May, 2017. Web.

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Abstract Episode 4: Bjarke Ingels

This episode of Abstract featured Danish architect Bjarke Ingels. Ingels went into college with the desire to pursue illustration and graphic novel design before deciding to pursue architecture instead. Before graduating, he dropped out and started his own architecture firm. After a long period of time, his firm eventually was hired on to build the VM House. The VM House was an apartment building combining cheap, spacious apartments with a parking garage below. Designing the apartments to fit together kind of like a puzzle limiting the materials needed to build corridors, he began revolutionizing the thinking behind efficient building. Before that, the firm had never built anything. As Ingels becoming better known, he faced a lot of scrutiny. In the film he discussed how the Danish view difference and how it was not only unwelcome, but how it was almost embarrassing to create anything different. He talked about how Copenhagen is known for it’s tall buildings that stick out, and without them, Copenhagen wouldn’t be the same.  Ingels discussed this idea of how he wouldn’t consider himself and environmentalist or a social activist necessarily but how he thinks about architecture in this idea of sustainability that is not only sustainable but also brings about a better quality of life.

 One thing that I was confused about/ wasn’t well explained in this film was the process behind these large-scale buildings. It seems as if there are a lot more numbers, permits, sketching, understanding of construction and just general hoops to jump through that aren’t necessarily included. As it contains to drawing, there was a little bit of drawing in the beginning when they were discussing the Serpentine Pavilion but it was primarily limited to that scene. This was a fascinating episode but I have so many more questions about process that I don’t feel were included. I did appreciate the inspiration but I wish this included a more point A to point B timeline of some of these buildings.

Cited Sources:

“Bjarke Ingels.” Abstract: The Art of Design. Netflix. 10 May, 2017. Web.

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Design Systems Thinking Post 5

From a design perspective, it’s incredible evident how the effects of human centered design benefits business. From identifying market trends to strong branding, design systems thinking is playing an increasingly imperative role in understanding consumer and producer relationships. This is evident through the accessibility and approachability of individual products in relation to how they relate to the brand as a whole. Increasingly interesting, this article touched on how consumers are more interested in the experience of using a product as opposed to the product itself. I’ve recently experienced this with a skincare product I tried from a company with a very strong brand presence. I was writing my review last night of the face wash I tried and found myself saying that I really wanted to love the product- and it’s true! The packaging is beautiful, it’s cohesive with the rest of the products produced by the company, the advertising is executed well and targeted at the right audiences. HOWEVER- the product itself felt a little mediocre to me, regardless of all of the wonderful reviews. I will say though I’ve tried other products of theirs that I have liked. It proves how a strong brand presence can manipulate the market. In the same way, human centered design, regardless of product quality encourages company loyalty. Usually it helps if the company can offer additional products, that might serve customers better.

One thing that is interesting that wasn’t touched on in this article was human centered design as it pertains to ecommerce. A lot of brands I follow are not available in stores and if they were, they would be a part of a larger store carrying varying brands. I think this proposes a challenge for human interactivity because it limits interaction to either phone or email. On one hand social media does a good job of addressing questions of how/when to use a product that depending on the platform can be logged or not. I’ve received several skincare tips/ little tidbits of advice from company employees or bloggers trying products in Instagram’s “story” feature. However with this feature, short videos or images are only available to see for 24 hours. This changes customer relations because of the use of an additional platform to cultivate this interaction. It also levels the playing field in a way that allows anyone the power to share their experience. 

Cited Sources:

Killian, Jennifer; Sarrazin, Hugo; Yeon, Hyo. Building A. Design Driven Culture. McKinsey & Company. September 2015. Web. 

Example of a retailers using the “my story” feature on Instagram to reach out to customers. I’ve also received lots of tips from this start up owner about skincare stuff via this platform. 

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Design Systems Thinking Post 4

In relation to my own personal experiences in researching for design projects, this article describing research methodologies touched on a few things that I’ve encountered the past two years in the visual communication program. Describing the external position and the internal position was one of the first things in this article I felt like I could relate to. This was especially apparent in our infographic designs regarding King County homelessness. On one hand, as a designer you’re describing and creating visuals for a very heavy topic but even though the quantitative information is upsetting, the visuals have to be approachable. This article also described starting the process with identifying things that wouldn’t work in addition to things that have the potential for working. What came to mind immediately were methods of addressing audiences- for example if your target audience was older people, it wouldn’t make sense to advertise on Instagram.

 Cost implications stood out to me the most as I recall those long nights at FedEx, printing 11 by 17 full color, and realizing your type isn’t aligned to grid. This portion of the article described how cost implications involved in the selection of materials and production can be magnified by even the smallest design choices. This is something that I realized early on- to test print, to ask for feedback, have someone else look over your work because come final crit when everything is mounted, you won’t want to have anything off. I assume in the professional world, there will be a lot more stake holders with visuals and projects, but understanding consequences, even if it’s just embarrassment, is important.

Lastly the article described working within boundaries. So far in school, we’ve had limited boundaries, however there have been requirements that needed to be met, which is similar to the workforce. I think I found the most challenge while working in infographics because of how data specific it has to be. Regardless, there will be brand guidelines to adhere to in addition to other standards required in future work.

Cited Sources

Noble, Ian, and Russell Bestley. Visual Research: An Introduction to Research Methodologies in Graphic Design. Lausanne: AVA, 2005. Print.

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Independent Study: Artifact Episode 2, Es Devlin

In this episode, design takes place in space. Set designer Es Devlin starts the episode of Artifact by explaining how her process starts: by sitting at a white table with some pieces of white paper and a pencil. This is what the exploring stage, the what brainstorming part looks like from most design perspectives. The way that Es uses drawing is more like a way of understanding- to understand and explore through visualization. It’s a method of explaining to the audience, or the client, but also to herself. As a set designer, the purpose of drawing is almost limited to this stage of the process, because after that, things move into a space and taking into account light, shadow- manipulating within bounds to manifest an emotional response. For Es, I imagine designing a set for Kanye, and the intentions (she described this paradox of power and vulnerability) is different than designing for the Chanel exhibition. It’s as if there are tiers of influence- how the artist wants to feel, or wants the show to affect fans versus a more direct approach of addressing those experiencing the event. And if visually, there’s a desire to have people experience things differently because of where they are sitting or how they are positioned within a given space at a certain time. 

One thing Es touched on that I think was really interesting and sets stage design apart from other types of design is that it’s very temporary. She describes how these exhibits and productions may go on for a few days, few weeks, maybe a few months but generally, things will only exist in the memories of people who experienced them. “Design you see if the tip of the iceberg but the amount of work you do is what’s important, it’s what holds you up.”

“Es Devlin.” Abstract: The Art of Design. Netflix. 25 April, 2017. Web.

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This is an application that I use that’s human centered. It asks you to update the weather conditions and how you feel to give you suggestions on how to prepare for the day. The more often you input information, the better the app can suggest for you. 

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Design Systems Thinking Post 3

On this website, Design Kit does a great job in moving designers through each individual step of human centered design. What’s more is that they don’t necessarily draw lines to define human centered design, rather they leave it abstract; the process being applicable to the development of systems, products, interfaces, places, etc. In class we explored human centered design in infographics, with our first project being an infographic interface with the ability to better understand and react to those human needs. Looking back on that project, understanding the audience portion was a little foreign. In retrospect, understanding the fullness of a solution, or the extent, helps to better address the correct audience. I imagine one of the greatest challenges of human centered design is achieving a goal for a varied audience. In my own experience, that’s proved difficult. Questions such as, am I designing to help the user or am I designing so the users can help someone else? In that particular project, it was both. Now whether or not the prototype had the possibility to be successful wasn’t further explored but I imagine there is a line in which both can be achieved, working cohesively and effectively. 

 In the section labeled Mindsets, I connected with what the CEO of IDEO said about failure and in human centered design- there’s an expectation to have ideas that aren’t necessarily going to work out. It’s a process that can go back and be refined, something that’s treated differently than print design. If you print a poster for an event and have a low attendance, it’s more of a better luck next time rather than something implemented that has the ability to be tinkered with. I imagine with human centered design, there is always the ability to keep updating and working on things with advancements in technology, which in a way takes failure off the table because systems can always be improved upon. 

Cited Sources:

“What is Human Centered Design?” Design Kit. Web. 18 April 2017.

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Independent Study: Artifact Episode 2, Tinker Hatfield

First off this episode felt very near and dear to my heart having grown up in Eugene, Oregon. How Tinker Hatfield fell into shoe design is how a lot of designers find success: by doing something they love and finding that intersectionality. For Hatfield, this started as being an athlete and understanding the need for different types of support for different activities. 

When Hatfield became injured pole vaulting, he happened to find out that he was pretty decent at drawing. In this episode he showed a sketch book, I’m assuming from college, where he just doodled stream of consciousness from planets to what became shoes. This is exactly what the sketching process looks like during the brainstorming period of design- it’s everything and it’s random and it’s crazy, but it’s the flushing of ideas from the brain and getting them on to paper. Referencing this process, Hatfield said it’s how you get somewhere. He describes design as predicting the needs of the future because people struggle with what they don’t understand, design that they aren’t used to. This speaks so much into what it means to be successful and innovative- it’s one thing to be trendy, but it’s so much more to be original. One of my favorite things Hatfield said during this episode was that if people don't love or hate your work, you really haven’t done all that much. That in itself epitomizes design- it’s not a field where we’re called to reproduce things that have been done, there should be a desire to create things that have never been created before. “As a designer the goal is not to become self expressive, it’s to solve a problem for someone else that looks great and cool too.”

Cited Sources:

“Tinker Hatfield.” Abstract: The Art of Design. Netflix. 17 April, 2017. Web.

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Indpendent Study: Artifact Episode 1

For this independent study, I think this was a great first episode to start out with. Illustration is a little different in design in so much that it’s primarily drawing. The way Christophe Neimann approaches his work is very practical, commenting that deadlines sometimes make the process more anxious however the act of creating, like other professions, is a matter of doing. I think that’s a really insightful and realistic way of working in the creative field as a profession- you’re not going to create on your own time, you’ll be creating within a timeframe and you’ll be expected to produce a certain caliber of work. I like how Christophe touched on being fearless with his work and creating a space to experiment and not be so concerned with whatever the outcome. In the creative profession, often times I’ve found, even for myself, is that we create boxes of things we allow ourselves to do. I’ve found this apparent in other aspects of my life such as curating my instagram or having similar themes and distinctive style and ways of doing things in my life. The way he talked about creating a space for that, where he allowed himself freedom from himself really, I think is something that all creatives can take an use in their own lives. 

Additionally, Neimann touched on authenticity as opposed to abstraction and how there is this desire for authenticity but once it becomes available, something is shattered with the nature of reality. He used the example of the human heart to express love- if someone showed you a real life, bloody human heart, the emotion that would come to mind would definitely not be love. He describes abstraction a lot, most memorable in my mind were his legos. I think abstraction, like the creative process is something that’s practiced. Maybe it comes easier to some of us than others but it’s pushing outside of the immediate things that come to mind and moving into an unmarked territory full of much more possibility. 

Sources:

“Christophe Neimann.” Abstract: The Art of Design. Netflix. 11 April, 2017. Web.

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Capstone: Assigned Reading 2

The first article I read discussed the rebranding of LIVESTRONG after the founder, Lance Armstrong admitted to drug use and was stripped of his medals. I think it made a lot of sense to rebrand after this incident because of the close tie and association that LIVESTRONG had with it’s founder, which was a valid concern due to the decline in funding. In a lot of ways design systems thinking played a role in moving forward with the brand as well as with the organization. With the strong identity that was built with the initial brand, it wouldn’t make sense to scratch it and start over, but a change was definitely needed in order to move forward. The human centered design aspect was influenced by the organization itself. Although not a cancer research based organization, LIVESTRONG focuses not on the death toll but rather the survivors and helping in assisting with them with all the other financial needs that come about as a result of cancer.

I think the designers made smart choices by keeping a similar look and overall brand feel. I’m not sure that the way they approached the rebrand was unique but it made sense with the problem the organization was facing. 

The social activism in this case is a little more abstract- Here it was looking at the overall picture and determining if the branding was strong enough to stand on it’s own despite the connection with the founder and the conclusion that the designers came to in the process of rebranding was yes. The brand was designed so strongly previously that it could withstand, because of what it stood for, they were able to rebuild a successful brand. 

The second case study I read was Case Study: What We Eat and Why It Matters

This study took place at Illinois Wesleyan University so I think the concern was definitely relevant and for social good. A lot of people change eating habits in college so I think that promoting a farm to table movement in the university setting is incredibly helpful in addressing and establishing healthy habits for students. Design thinking was established in the methods in which student researchers were going to reach their audience and how effectively they would be able to convey their message. The human centered design was a part of the design thinking as well, especially as the students took an initiative to make home cooked meals with real food in the dorms the nights the dining halls were closed.

The unique approach these students took was tackling the problem from different angles but using a variety of mediums to get their point across as well. I  especially thought their installations were a very cool way of drawing attention to their cause. Design for social activism is evident through the design thinking as well as the variety of artifacts such as the posters and other print material created for the campaign. 

Cited Sources:

Hull, Rigsby. “Case Study: LIVESTRONG Branding.” AIGA. November 13, 2013. Web.

McElroy, Sherilyn. “Case Study: What We Eat and Why It Matters.” AIGA. July 15, 2013. Web.

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I found this infographics on Pinterest, and was immediately intrigued by the lengthy research that was put into developing the concept. After having to do our own extensive research for project 2, there is a greater appreciation and understanding of this process even before the designer begins to organize and visualize data. This infographic effectively begins with the title and continues by describing what or rather who, will be compared in the infographic. It breaks down device and media usage by millenials, referencing the goal initiated in the title. It continues by using comparative data with Generation X and Baby Boomers to describe these means of media, which helps to better understand the working population. By the end, the researchers were able to conclude with practices that have shown to be successful in marketing to millenials. This infographic is effective because it gets from point A to point B using comparative and thorough research. The designer effectively was able to break down the data into graphs and visuals that had variety but maintained codification. For the most part they were effective using color, however I think that’s something that could be improved.

 I chose this page in a manual I used for the research document because I think even though it’s a page from a manual it does a nice job of communicating information. With manuals, the challenge is there isn’t necessarily a point A to point B storyline. Instead it’s more of a cognitive connection- not understanding to understanding. A lot of manuals incorporate a lot of written directions as opposed to illustrations, which is a downfall in manual design of products. However this manual effectively breaks up text, or written direction, with an illustration of the parts of the coffee maker in addition to a chart that informs you of proportions when using the product.  The data hierarchy is effective in telling you about the parts, how to make the coffee, and then the proportions of coffee to water that needs to be understood in order to effectively execute the task. Although not beautifully designed, it gets the concept across

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This map is taken from the inside of a book about Stockholm. This image is more an image for aesthetics as opposed to narrating information. There is no legend, no map key. From familiarity, we know that the light blue color is representing water, the green most likely is representing forested area, or more wilderness. The pale yellow, is cityscape, or habited area with roads and regions indicated by red font. The visual focus seems to be where the book is bound, since that is where the highest concentration of regions and streets are. The visual language is consistent and the map as a visual is clean and effective but it does not break down anything or compare ideas.

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This infographic interaction UX on Smart Home app was created by Gleb Kuznetsov for FANASY. It appears to demonstrate energy savings/ locations utilizing the most energy in a house based on room. It continues to break down using a donut chart to indicate which outlets, or rather sources of energy are using the energy the most. The designer was able to effectively demonstrate the concept using only two screens. Although this is a more interdisciplinary designed application/infographic it narrates a story that is applicable to nearly anyone with a home/apartment. Additionally, it attempts to solve and break down which energy outlets are using the most energy and proportionately, where money is going to fund these.  The information hierarchy makes sense through the use of visuals, and few things need to be labeled, allowing the visuals to speak for themselves.

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This infographic stood out to me primarily because I have never seen anything quite like it- this kind of manipulation of imagery to create a surreal graph. Creating something uncommon like this is effective in drawing in viewers because of its striking nature and negative space. I understand that the graph is illustrating different aspects of agriculture although there isn’t a story line, which makes it a little irrelevant. However this is a beautiful stand-alone pie chart but without any additional information it isn’t necessarily effective. If this were to be used in comparison or in contrast with how agriculture can be used to end world hunger or how agriculture is participating in the emissions of carbon dioxide, there would be more effective communication.

 This is an illustration in my camera manual on how to insert the USB cord into the printer. Without reading a single word on this page, it’s obvious that that is the information being shared.  This sort of information is incredibly important in instructing or expressing “how-tos” that are dense or complex such as the use of a professional camera. Unlike traditional infographics, this isn’t necessarily a story but moreover an illustration on instruction. From a user perspective, it’s effective in communicating the idea. Unfortunately there remains an incredible amount of text, that from a visual standpoint makes other aspects of the diagram less aesthetically pleasing.