Archives for February 2024

I think James Dyson and Philippe Starck have very contrasting approaches to design. Dyson’s philosophy embraces modesty, contrasting with Starck’s conceited style. Dyson sees himself as an artist, embracing a unique perspective that embraces failure as a stepping stone to improvement. This outlook inspires designers to be patient and humble, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and continuous refinement.

I was not too fond of the Dyson Zone headphones. The concept strikes me as impractical (it looks ridiculous too), I think headphones are already bulky enough, and adding more weight to them seems unnecessary. Personally, I find even my Apple headphones to be too heavy at times. Additionally, the assembly process seems overly complicated. When investing in technology like phones or headphones, most consumers prefer products that come ready to use out of the box. Watching the tutorial video, I noticed the influencer had to go through several steps to set up the device, which I can imagine being quite annoying for most people.

I like the Dyson hairdryer for its exceptional power. Although I haven’t made the purchase myself, I had the chance to try out a friend’s, and I was impressed by its strength. While there may be similar options at a lower price point, Dyson’s reputation and brand recognition likely play a significant role in its appeal to consumers.

Garret Morgan

Garrett Morgan stands as an inspirational innovator who overcame significant racial barriers to become a prolific inventor and entrepreneur. One of his most notable inventions was the development of the modern traffic signal, which improved road safety and traffic management. It introduced the concept of a three-position signal—stop, go, and an all-way stop position—to regulate the flow of cars and movement of traffic. Additionally, Morgan’s invention of the the modern gas mask, saved countless lives during emergencies such as fires and chemical spills. Overall I think Morgan’s range of creativity stretches beyond one category and encompasses a diverse range of inventions that collectively showcases his remarkable talent.

This week, I took the opportunity to refine my prototype from the previous iteration. Reflecting on last week’s attempt, I realized there was room for improvement, particularly in clarifying the functionality. In this version, I made the design so that the eye shield specifically covers the eyes, as opposed to last week’s where it covered my whole face. Additionally, I incorporated a handle feature, allowing the user to effortlessly transition between seeing and blocking light.

Front Angle:

Rear Angle:

Side Angle:

Final Product:

When exploring Philippe Starck’s website, his controversial reputation was not immediately evident to me. However, after watching “The Habits of a Creative Genius” featuring Stark, his personality and approach to design showed a glimpse of why he’s viewed as controversial. Starck’s straightforward and sometimes blunt demeanor, for example, when he said that his job is essentially useless in saving lives, can be off-putting to some. In an industry where designers often strive to cultivate emotional connections with consumers, Starck’s lack of sentimentality may create a disconnect. Despite this, I thought his interview was unexpectedly humorous due to his candid responses.

One of the designs that I had a particular interest in was the “…ET MARIE COQUINE ROSIT…” lamp, it’s indeed a fascinating piece. The lamp’s beautiful design and unique decor catch the eye, while the inclusion of wheels adds an intriguing element of functionality. The idea of a chandelier that can be moved around rather than being fixed in the center of a room speaks to Starck’s taste for combining aesthetics with practicality in unexpected ways.

Among Philippe Starck’s designs, the lemon squeezer is my least favorite. Its distinction from the typical kitchen lemon squeezers were very noticeable. After browsing through reviews, it became apparent that the product didn’t have much favor, and I tend to agree. It seems more like an product showcasing Starck’s versatility rather than genuinely addressing a practical need.

Starck’s approach to design is undeniably unique, characterized by a genuine transparency regarding his creative process. He doesn’t shy away from articulating the beginning of his ideas, his honesty about both the concept and the outcome is refreshing in an industry often saturated with image and presentation. This authenticity is a key aspect of his branding, setting him apart and earning admiration from those who value sincerity in design.

Process:

To begin the process of the helmet I first went to the LA Sybil for guidance on how to begin the model. I found it especially difficult to begin because my device is a helmet and it’s hard to make a helmet out of cardboard. She suggested that I use a hat as a base for the helmet. So I used one of my old hats and began cutting the brim off. The hat already had an adjustable strap which made it easier to bring my idea to light. I cut out a rectangular piece of cardboard and attached it to the hat. After that, I cut out a triangular piece of cardboard as the eye cover and attached it to the rectangular piece of cardboard I cut out. I attached the eye cover to the rectangular piece rather than the hat because I wanted the eye mask to be adjustable. I also cut out a piece of fabric and attached it to the cardboard. I did this because if someone puts on the helmet it hurts if there’s just a piece of cardboard there to block your eyes.

Time lapse:

Materials used:

Hot Glue Gun
Scissors
Fabric Scissors
Baseball cap
Cardboard
Fabric

Problem: Avoiding light without having to get out of bed

1. The telescope switch is a device designed to simplify reaching your light switch. With its telescopic stick, you can easily extend the device to the light switch. Its finger-like design allows for turning on and off the light.
2. The mattress spring is a unique addition to your bed, consisting of a mattress topper connected to the bed with spring coils. This design enables you to access the light switch without ever having to leave the comfort of your mattress.
3. This helmet shields your eyes from the light, eliminating the need to even think about reaching for the light switch. The helmet features an adjustable strap, ensuring a comfortable fit tailored to the individual’s head shape. With this innovative helmet, you can simply put it on and forget about any bothersome light interruptions.

 

 

 

Bill Moggridge’s Emotional Device, while initially seeming bulky and inconvenient, was a groundbreaking invention given the time it was created. Having a portable laptop that could fit into a briefcase was a remarkable innovation. It’s fascinating to observe how this seemingly “inconvenient” device laid the foundation for the laptops we now carry in our daily lives as a staple piece. The evolution of this idea has indeed become a fundamental part of our technological landscape.

For smart design, the concept of designing for the extremes, whether the strongest or weakest, is a brilliant approach. They focused on creating products for individuals with arthritis, like the vegetable peeler handles, which is a demonstration of the impact of considering diverse needs. It’s not just about functionality; it’s about making people feel seen and valued in the design process. This commitment to inclusivity transforms products into tools that enhance the lives of individuals, even in niche categories like a vegetable peeler. It’s the balance of smart and emotional design that truly makes a difference for individuals.

One example of an emotional product I have is my insulated water bottle, especially here in China, where the norm is not having ice-cold water. It’s a staple piece, accompanying me wherever I go. Another crucial item in my life is the portable cup holder inside of my car’s cupholder, specifically designed to accommodate my large insulated water bottle. This has been a game changer, as standard car cupholders often cannot fit large bottles. Now, I can keep my trusted water bottle within easy reach while driving, avoiding the inconvenience of placing it on the floor or putting it in any other inconvenient place.