#but this one in particular is like a web of interconnecting vibes i think about it often

[pommunist]

thinking about how interesting the qsmp fandom is from like an analytical standpoint. it was/is a very specific ecosystem with a myriad of dynamics when it came to the way people interacted with each other/as a fandom entity/with the content they watched idk it’s fascinating to me

[chrisb-design]

Week 14 - Personal Choice

Oh, the freedom to discuss design openly.  This I could take and run with - I duly miss the opportunity to simply discuss it with others *sad pandemic tears*.  So let’s get started, shall we?  One aspect of design in which I am constantly fascinated with is the idea of immersive design.  No not virtual reality, no not augmented reality either.  It is the principle that design, so well refined on multiple facets within a single interaction - is so immersive it feels almost magical.  It is hard to chronicle who has achieved it, for it is such a rare concept within the design universe.  This ideology of design is something that I chase with every fleeting effort as I study here at the University of Milwaukee.  And from what this class taught me, I am not independent in this pursuit of an all encompassing design philosophy.  It spawned from Peter Behren’s “total design control” when he worked as the artistic advisor for AEG.  This influenced Walter Gropius, a major figurehead in the history of the Bauhaus.  A titular concept from the Bauhaus was ‘gesamtkunstwerk’ - the ideology of a total work of art; encompassing all mediums.  In Gropius’ mind, architecture was at the core and all other arts would spur from it.  I can understand where Gropius derived this ideology, however I to feel it is fundamentally flawed to perceive architecture at the ultimate core.  I will refer to the total work of art as an ‘Entity’ - for the whole German word is too much to retype without typos.  I believe that this total work of art does not have one particular central core, as each ‘project’ in which design is contracted to be done can have multiple ‘jettisons’.  An Entity for a coffee brand may not stem from the architectural identity of a coffeehouse, but rather the curated vibe and aesthetic that many come to imagine when visiting one.  An Entity for a travel brand must rely upon its medium of travel and the experience it creates rather than on one particular region you can travel to with it; as that would be bias within a travel brand (not desired, however some cases do occur).  It must be understood that these Entities must be living design structures, an interconnected web of design that touches each facet of the artistic medium in varying quantities.  Some Entities do not architectural elements, others rely greatly upon it.  And when all of the elements within a design Entity culminate ever so carefully into a way that strikes such a chord - it simply feels magical, as the pure rarity of its existence channels the aura of fantastical realities.  Consider this:  an entity for a coffee shop, lets say Stone Creek Coffee (particularly the great Downer Avenue location only four blocks from Mitchell Hall), has a well curated aesthetic within their shops, which coupled with the often found jovial staff actually makes each visit a delight.  They place so much detail into every little notion, the “recombobulation area” to the very nice and open outdoor seating space - every visit is purely bliss.  Certain constraints cannot be avoided however, including the point of sale area/time.  I would certainly like to see some (or conduct some myself) interaction design research on how to better improve that experience.  Too often is the whole point of sale/transaction slow, putsy, and boring to be around - so it would be fun to imagine what it could be, and potentially explore a real world experience.  Simply put, I want to immerse myself within the discussions of design - to which this one way outlet will not permit, sadly.  I hope that when this pandemic concludes that I can reengage with fellow design students who think similarly - and maybe even think design wise for the university in which we all attend.  I certainly can imagine many improvements that are largely design-based, that contribute to the aesthetic, the vibe, and the culture here; as they are purely put - the most neglected, yet talked about aspects of design.