milesstimac

[milesstimac]

Week 15-Final Thoughts

Telling the future is never a good thing, it’s not very good for one’s health either, and usually it’s left up to people who specialize in that sort of thing. All of that aside, I will endeavor to tell the future of design. In the field of graphic design, there will not a be a huge change. It will still be necessary to communicate ideas through text and images because that is what people respond to the most, in fact, it's almost built into human DNA. The only thing that is going to drastically change is the landscape in which designs are presented. This will only bring a period of adaptation where people figure out how to present things and use new tools that make digital stuff possible. The other disciplines of design like industrial design and architecture are deeply rooted in the physical world and do not translate to the digital environment well. I cloud see, in the future, that the exteriors of a building could be fabricated in the digital realm and then projected onto a building instead of making real materials that achieve the same effect. We would only have to decide is it good to cross from truth to deception. Industrial design will also stay relatively the same. Industrial designers are in the business of making consumable products.  

Although graphic design has not changed much, that does not mean that this discipline is not at the heart of the potential future. As people transition to using more and more electronics, an almost endless two-dimensional space presents itself and it cries to be filled. Another reason graphic design will be the future is because it is so versatile and can be several things. For example, graphic design can cover a computer and be used to establish some sort of identity. Graphic design will also be there to greet the user at the entrance page to the computer and everything else. This discipline can also be applied to motion graphics in order to create compelling visuals. The final reason why graphic design still has the most potential is that it still can function perfectly in the physical world, and this is important because viewers inhabit the real world and there may come a time when the digital wolrd falls out of favor or completely disappear.  

[milesstimac]

Week 14-Your Choice

With the rise of digital technologies, graphic design has seen huge changes mainly in the form of how things are produced, and what context they are being used in. This shift seems incredibly sad to me for a few reasons.  

The first is that physical examples of graphic design are starting to die off and it would be terrible to see them go forever. These physical examples of graphic design are really quite special because anyone was allowed to directly interact with something in the real world. Additionally, graphic design that exists in the real world is temporary and has a lifetime that is far shorter than anything digital. This digital world is a dumping ground where years of stuff has accumulated with no consideration being made to clean it all out. In some cases, I have found it difficult to find different things just because of the sheer volume of information that has accumulated in the past 20 years. It would not be surprising to learn one day that digital technologies have been rendered useless because it is too difficult to find anything anymore. Even in files stored on a personal computer can reach a point where, no matter how organized things are, there are just too many to find anything.  

The second reason that causes this sadness is the ease of making digital work. Because digital tools have made it easy to make a design, people are expected to make or do more in a shorter amount of time. This causes a case of quantity over quality and in my personal opinion, one excellent piece of design is worth 100 quickly produced designs. Additionally, the drive to create things quickly and in mass turns pleasant careers into self-destructing marathon trips where pure exhaustion brings a swift end.  

Although the digital world is the hot new thing that seems to drive everything, without a doubt, there will be something new and different that follows in its wake. What it’s form may be, no one will know for sure, but it is worth hoping that somehow it takes tangible form.

[milesstimac]

Week 13-New Media

With the rise and prominence of digital technology at the end of the 1900's, a new landscape was developed. This landscape called for a new set of rules and aesthetic choices that worked within the constraints of this landscape. In the early days of the digital age, as stated in the book "Graphic Design: A New History" by Stephan F. Ekilson, the early formation of a digital aesthetic was characterized by the desire to create images that were flat uninterrupted and featured a combination of different elements. As time has progressed, the aesthetic choice of the digital world has changed a lot. Now, more than ever there is a drive to create interactive and motion graphics into the digital landscape. It seems that these examples have an aesthetic that is quite different from the aesthetic presented at the beginning. The aesthetic choices that are being made now focus on simplicity and offering a space that is organized yet engaging to a viewer. This aesthetic appears to be a direct result of the early design choices made, where a great dela of information was being presented at once and a viewer had to be careful in making choices about what to engage with in an attempt to avoid sensory overload. A few examples of this new digital aesthetic are websites like "The New Yorker" where every bit of information has its own space and does not confuse other information on the website. Another area of the digital world where this new aesthetic is displayed is the site where this is chuck of text is being posted. Here again, order and simplicity rule over all else and the user is not overwhelmed with information. Additionally, the pacing of the posts in the central panel reflects the aesthetic very well. Here information is presented at a consistent pace while enticing the viewer to continue viewing without intense graphic elements to aid this process. This aesthetic choice seems to make the user experience a very pleasant one. 

[milesstimac]

Week 12- Graphic Design

Based on the readings from this week, it is clear that graphic design is changing its setting once again. This transition is marked by a departure from printed material to an expansive landscape where constraints are only limited by the desires of a client. This new landscape is defined as something called new media which encompasses a variety of disciplines and creative movements. These disciples range from standard web designs to motion graphics, that in combination with one another, present a unique viewer experience and interactive environment. In the context of new media, it seems that motion graphics will have the greatest impact on interactive design. In today's age, motion graphics is a combination of illustration, traditional graphic design, and an understanding of software. This discipline may have the biggest impact for a few reasons. The first is that motion graphics are the direct product of combining older design techniques with new media. Because the limits of new media have not been found, these motion graphics will continue to evolve and influence how digital space is set up. The second reason motion graphics will have the greatest impact on design is that it requires direct interaction with the viewer to function. In order to fulfil this interaction, it will be necessary to develop ways that suit the needs and desires of the viewer. This could manifest a variety of different tactics that take advantage of attributes that new media provides. There may come a time when things are built specifically for motion graphics rather than being just another feature among many. With this in mind it can even be said that motion graphics can and will influence industrial design as people try to integrate this discipline into the real world.   

[milesstimac]

Week 11-Graphic Design

In this weeks reading, the concept of a citizen designer was explained in detail. According to the text, a citizen designer is someone who practices a design method that focuses on presenting social issues. The manifestation of the citizen design practice can remain at the graphic level but reach as far as the materials used and design philosophies. In todays world, it seems that the role of citizen designer is taken on by some and ignored by others with no effect in either direction. In order for the citizen designer to effect great change, everyone would have to abide by a new set of design rules and the way in which graphic design is taught, applied, and executed must change.

I had the pleasure of viewing the design manifesto that was covered in the book “Graphic Design: A New History” by Stephen F. Eskilson and adding my name to the list. This list was created by citizen designers for citizen designer and, while it is cool that this document was created, it was disheartening as well. It is disheartening because this document has not inspired any deliberate change in design practices or what is being designed. Whit the signatures on the document, there were links attached so designers could share what their thing was. Many of these pages displayed the usual product and graphic design that is geared toward high levels of consumption. So after nearly 60 years has been published not much has changed for the better and this is extremely sad. It is also evident that the concept of citizen designer is for those that can afford to be one. Based on my observations, clients only want to pay for what they can sell and currently, most companies are not selling suitability and earth friendliness.

Maybe at some point in the future it will be easier to become a citizen designer and to faithfully take part in the design manifesto, first though, huge change has to take place and that starts with the average consumer.

[milesstimac]

Week 10-Graphic Design

One of the most interesting ideas from the textbook “Graphic Design a New History” was the idea that because of the proliferation of digital tools, poorly designed typefaces have become quite common. On the flip side though, some really incredible typefaces have been designed and there is now a clear history and progression of digital graphic design emerging and ready for reference and use. It seems that because of these new tools, we are entering into an age that is like the early nineteenth century where many excessively decorative typefaces were designed and sold. Today these typefaces that have been designed with the same attitude as those of the past are dangerous to use because of their many flaws. This similarity to different time periods extends also to the landscape that designs are applied to. In the early 1800’s may spaces that had the potential to be filled and there was competition for a viewer's attention. In the time period we live in now, the digital world offers an infinite space that can also be filled with design work. Additionally, with the sheer volume of stuff in the digital world, there is also the need to stand out and compete for a viewers attention. Even though there are some similarities between graphic design in the 1900’s and today there seems to be less use of excessively decorative typefaces and most websites will use a universal style and at least reference Swiss page structures. In the digital world the new digital tools still present some struggles and even famous type foundries struggle to make sure that their designs are ready to go in and designed for use in a variety of applications. Because this type must be carefully selected with the utmost care. Eventually, there may be a point where graphic design must be redefined to come to terms with the proliferation and use of digital type. If we are entering into a new digital landscape, then the rules will have to be redefined.

[milesstimac]

Week 9-Industrial Design

During the time when Brooks Stevens was alive, the Milwaukee area was a very exciting place. This area was home to many companies that specialized in the production of industrial goods. To support these companies, much of the city was dedicated to manufacturing areas where skilled laborers worked. Because of all these factors, Milwaukee gained a reputation as a place where things could be designed and manufactured for large companies in the business of making money. Brooks Stevens decided to stay in Milwaukee for several reasons. One of the reasons was that he was extremely close to the businesses and manufacturing areas that made his products. The other reason he stayed was because he had an established design firm in the area, and he considered it to be his home. 

[milesstimac]

Week 8-Industrial Design

This compass is also an example of industrial design because it features elements that are composed of cheap and readily available materials and the user interaction was considered, especially in the area where the two arms are adjusted. 

1. This is a climbing carabiner and is an example of industrial design where the user interaction was a major contributing factor. Additionally, a highly mechanized process was used to produce this item. 

2. This is a block from a sailboat and also is an example of industrial design. Once again, the user experience helped decide how the end product was experienced. Additionally, it was produced in a highly mechanized process that could mass produce these items. 

3. This is a pen and is an example of industrial design because beyond the function of the pen, the interaction between user and the pen was a deciding factor in the design. Additionally, this pen was designed to be mass produced and expendable. 

4. This compass is also an example of industrial design because it features elements that are composed of cheap and readily available materials and the user interaction was considered, especially in the area where the two arms are adjusted. 

5. This scissors also exhibits features that make this item an example of industrial design. It is made in such a way that one can tell user experience was considered. Additionally, this pair of scissors was meant to be a consumable product because of the unsharpenable blades and was produced in a highly mechanized process with readily available material such as stainless steel and plastics.  

Notes:

6. Industrial design is closely tied to large manufacturing processes. Without access to these large manufacturing plants this type of design would probably become more of a craft design movement.

7. Because of the nature of the products designed by industrial designers, the designer must consider the interaction a consumer has with the product in order to keep them buying goods.

8. It seems that consumers have a great deal of say regarding which designs work the best. If the consumer stops buying a certain designed product, that product will get re-designed or it will stop getting made.

9. Industrial design can become extremely complex. Products that are designed by an industrial designer can range from a guitar pick to the styling of a car.

10. Some industrial designs have evolved over incredible lengths of time. This may be due to changing needs and changing times.

[milesstimac]

Week 7- Architecture

The concept of universal design was originally a response to the faulted writings about human form by the Greek philosopher Plato. Many architects still use these principles to design buildings and end with a result that does not accommodate all people. The improved universal design uses a set of principles to make sure that buildings are very accommodating to all people. Two of these principles are Simple and intuitive use and the tolerance for errors. The principle of simple and intuitive use presents itself every day. For example, a tool I use to repair bikes perfectly displays this principle. The tool in question is called a 3-way hex wrench. It features an ergonomic plastic central grip. From this central point 3 different size hex keys radiate out at different angels. What makes this tool a fine example of simple and intuitive use is the easy use of three common wrench sizes that need no effort to deploy. Additionally, there is no question as to its use. An example of an environment that displays this design principle is a grocery store. In this environment all the isles that contain everything that is needed is laid out in an organized way. Over each isle is a sign that lists the items in the isle. A person can easily walk in and find what they need.

An object that is designed with tolerance for error in mind would be a standard writing pencil. If a bad mark has been used, the pencil features an eraser to remove the mark of the pencil. An environment that features a tolerance for error is well laid out building like a hospital. Here the floors are labeled clearly and, often, maps are displayed so if one does get lost it is easy to find out where one is.

[milesstimac]

Week 6-Architecture

Ex 1

Ex 2

Ex 3

Observation Notes:

Most of the city architecture on display fits into one of two camps. The first is a thought out design that is meant to fit in and enhance the landscape. The second is a building design that has a more utilitarian look which creates an imposing presence. Although these two building types are quite different from each other, the combination of both in an urban landscape seems to create a harmonious and interesting atmosphere.

[milesstimac]

Week 5- History of Design

Example 1: 

This cup is an excellent example of modern Bauhaus design. As stated in the book “Graphic Design: A New History”, the author Stephen F. Eskilson says that in modern Bauhaus design “form follows function” where “Aesthetic and functional elements” are integrated. (p. 226) This example appears to be just that. This cup was developed in order to fulfill the need to have a container that was capable of carrying liquid but also collapsible at the same time. The form is made up of four metal bands and a handle. These bands are very noticeable and the way they seal together forms a conical shape. It seems that form is dictated by function in this cup.

Example 2: 

This book cover is a good example of Suprematism design. In the book “Graphic Design: A New History” the author Stephen F. Eskilson defines Suprematism as “entirley non-objective, meaning they bear no representational relationship to the natural world.” Additionaly, Suprematism was built upon the idea that “abstract forms could convey powerful emotions.”(p.192) This book cover exactly displays these concepts. The hard lines and 90 degree corners are not at all connected to the natural world. This desging also conveys more of a confused and dark emotion than anything else and is a perfect cover to describe the contents of the book.

 Example 3:

This example focuses on the abstracted star in the center of the frame. This is an example of De Stijl design. In the book “Graphic Design: A New History” the author Stephen F. Eskilson defines De Stijl as a “universal language of abstraction” (p.179) that relied on “principles of asymmetry and contrast” to create designs. The design above features asymmetry and contrast in addition to an abstracted shape. While there is balance in the design, the brid-like shape and dashed area contrast in a unique way. Additionally, the simple shapes could be illuding to some sort of meaning where a universal language would be required. 

[milesstimac]

Week 4-Found Object

My walk for this week's journal post took me through a large construction area where new homes are being put up. In a gravely patch next to a stack of floor joists I found a half-buried shackle that would have been used to secure a chain to something. This shackle, once it is broken down, features a large u-shaped area with a threaded and non-threaded set of holes on either side of the opening. A thick pin, with threads on one side fits into this hole and allows the shackle to be locked tight or removed with ease. The u-shaped part of the shackle also features information about wight limits, the company, the size of the pin, and where it was made. These letters stick out from the surface of the metal and show evidence of being made by casting. Upon seeing this piece, I was immediately reminded of rock-climbing carabiners. These also feature weight limits, the company's name, and where it was manufactured. The biggest difference between the shackle and the carabiner are the aesthetic qualities. The climbing carabiners every detail has been refined. For example, the information many times is either engraved or painted on and then the actual metal of the structure is anodized to some color. The shackle on the other hand is very rough and seems to have just come out of the casting mold. This shackle is definitely a utilitarian object where price and functionality were of the utmost concern. 

[milesstimac]

Week 3-History of Design

1. The design of this gutar effect pedal is spot on. It was based off of a previous model and was designed to create a better user experience while retaining some of the original looks. The designers kept the color scheme, and sourced knobs that referenced the originals. The new housing for the electronic components provides users with ease of use and longlasting durability.

2. This notebook is what would seem to be considered modern design. It is stripped down to bare bones and is as simple as it gets which enhances the materials that were in construction.

3. This dial caliper is another example of a sleek design that has no unessesary components and higlights the joy of using a well made percision tool.

4. This archeteture scale is an example of a well thought out design. The stand out aspect of this ruler is the pyramidal structure that allows one the ability to esaliy pick up and move it off the paper.

5. Once again, another example of simple and prictical design. The Bic lighter is of the prefect size and features edges that fit the hand perfectly. In addition it produces a precious flame that avid smokers could not do without. I do wonder if this lighter was designed to be quickly lost as I never have one around long enogh to consume all of the fuel it contains.

6. Notes on design: Modern design seems to stress the harmony of materials within a design. Needless additions that do not enhance the functionality are thought to make a design less desirable.

7. This paper weight is probably is not a fine exmample of modern design. Its role is needed less and less as paper slowly disapears from desks. At the time this was made it may have been a great example of design as it fufilled the fuction of holding down papers while looking nice.

8. Notes on Design: Buildings and products are relying more and more on prefabricated parts that can be quickly assembled. Athough these designs and the comination of these prefabricated parts displays harmony is it alright to deny the careful consturction that a skilled craftsperson might bring? Is there a place for the craftsperson in the future?

9. The swing arm lamp has come along way since it was first created. Although the genral form has stayed the same many lighting advaces such as the LED have improved the function of the design.

10. Notes on Design: Above all, design should fufill a funtion. Is there a point where the funtion does not merit a good design?

[milesstimac]

Week 2 - Design Thinking

Based on this week's information I would define design as a process whose main goal is to improve or create something that has a specific function with a special focus on improving a user's experience. With this definition in mind, there are a few products that I use that have been intentionally improved. The first example I have is the disposable razor. I own both disposable razors and a straight razor. It is clear that distinct changes have been made to improve the idea from the straight razor. The disposable razor has gone through a process identified in “Design Thinking” by the Harvard Business Review where initial products, like the straight razor, are reconsidered to “make an existing idea more attractive to consumers' needs and desires”. (p.86) It seems in this case that straight razors prove to be time consuming to maintain and use. A disposable razor requires no maintenance at all and is contained in a simple to use design. Another product I have that shows evidence of design thinking is the Adobe Illustrator application. Here the final design of the software is never finished because Adobe continually considers user feedback, modern technology, and user experience to craft a new version based on this information. This company implements the design process outlined in “Design Thinking” by the Harvard Business Review. This process consists of three parts: inspiration, ideation, and implementation. (p.88-89). Adobe receives feedback from their current version of Illustrator and uses this as inspiration for the next version. During ideation they plan how to implement the new changes. Finally it is implemented, the latest version is released, and the process begins again.  

The most significant concept from this week's reading is that the design process is never straight forward and, often, requires coming back to various parts of this design process. It is especially important that the design process does not follow a specific set of steps as the continual re-evaluation, testing, and information gathering ensure a final product that is both appealing and functional.  

[milesstimac]

Journal asgmt. Week 1, 1/24/22

Hello all. My name is Miles and I am an art student at UWM where I currently pursue a degree in visual communication and design. I am taking this class to get an introduction to the world of design. I hope that taking this class will help out with design work that may occur in the future as I have great interest in making pleasing things and devironments that both communicate and serve a purpose. I feel that I have aready some experience that could relate to this class. For example I have made a number of poetry zines and posters for live music. I find that the thigs that inspire me the most are dreams, strange places and open water. Recently I bought some Faber-Castell drawing pencils and although they seem like a frivilous expense compered to other drawing pencils I enjoy the paint, the name, and the feel when using them.