Collaboration class #2: Humans

Week 2

Human body language

Reading Quiz

–  What does the acronym SHE mean according to the book?

Shrink: to create something and then make it seem more impressive by scaling it down.

  Hide: reducing all components possible is already done so some can be hidden, like in a flip top mobile phone.

 Embody. To give the product or creation a sense of importance, by careful design and marketing.

    –  In your words define ‘humanist technologist’

A person who researches humanity issues using technological resources.

–      How can you apply the notion of reduce to your own design process? (give a specific example)

I really appreciate the notion of reduce within a variety of mediums that I try to regularly practice. Within music it is very effective and I just can’t help but relate Maeda’s teachings to that.

I also think its quite clearly evident within painting or illustration. I often have a problem of not knowing when to stop or when to give up. It will be interesting to see how the SHE acronym may help my paintings and drawings. 

            –  From what you have read in Chapter 1, explain the relationship between complexity and simplicity (give 3 specific examples from the book OR your own experiences)

1.“Organization makes a system of many appear fewer” I really like this quote from Maeda.

It explains how something with many complex parts can looks simpler by being organized and simplified.

2. Within a song. It often sounds simple and as though it is one sound. When you break it apart and tune your ears to what sounds are really happening, only then you realize how complex it actually is.

3. A poster design, or digital art image. It may look smooth, simple and clean cut, but beneath the final image are a number of complex layers with different attributes and effects. The point is, without creating multiple layers you would not get the final simplified image with such perfection and quality. 

 Presentation: IDEO Deep Dive

What type of organisation is IDEO? 

They are a Design Firm that specialises in product research and design.

 What are the different processes they employ in design research?

 They use their own experiences as well as the experiences of others to guide their design planning.

 How did they define the range and scope of the problem? 

        They visited users of the product in question and got their opinions on the             current problems associated with the product. 

How could you apply their methodology to developing a concept for your exhibition piece?

  Asking lectures and other students of their opinions of my ideas for the exhibition piece.

How can you apply the notion of reduce to your own design process? (give a specific example)

I often tend to overthink things, starting with the most simple option can enable you to extend what you would normaly do, as you will develop a more relaxed approach and feel less overwhlemed. This has recently become very eveident to me in music compostition.

Class discussion mainly revolved around Body Language, and the importance it holds in daily interaction.