This essay explores the concept of whether the outcome of design is directed towards a ‘Look at me’ or ‘Look at this’ theory. Through evaluating research behind the meaning of design, this essay will discuss that the theory behind a design leans greater towards a conceptual base rather than placing the emphasis on the physical product and therefore arguing that there is a greater tendency towards the ‘Look at this’ approach. The argument presented aims to discuss the point that design is a conceptual based practice which contains much subjectivity and therefore is difficult to place specifics on. This essay will focus on the meaning of design and the design process. It will then concentrate on a discussion about the uses of design as a symbol and communication tool. After examining a range of disciplines, this essay will evaluate and suggest that the more fitting meaning of design is ‘Look at this’.
To begin with it is of importance to note that the meaning of ‘design’ is often in great contradiction. The word can be used as a noun and a verb, referring to both the end product or to the process. “Design… shapes ideas to become practical and attractive propositions for user or customers. Design may be described as creativity deployed to a specific end.” (Hobday, Boddington, & Grantham, 2011) It is beyond the scope of 1500 words to explore all issues revolving this topic, so for the purposes of my argument I will be looking at design through the disciplines of architecture and fashion. With this in mind, I have interpreted that ‘me’ is the object and ‘this’ is the underlying idea/s behind the design.
In considering this, design is a technical field, ultimately based around elements and principles. There has been great discussion i...
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“Design is the method of putting form and content together. Design, just as art, has multiple definitions, there is no single definition. Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that’s why it is so complicated.”(Rand, Paul)
Though the Modern style continued to dominate high class business environments, designers were becoming more experimental, conforming less and less to the principles laid out by the pioneers of the Modernist movement. The free thinking masses of the new decade somewhat clashed with the rational and functional mind of dominant Modernist force Le Corbusier, who throughout his career detailed numerous guidelines, including his ‘Five Points Of Architecture’ which were to be followed in order to create a successful piece of design.
‘Lost in translation’ happens more frequently during the rate of globalization. The misreading of design languages is not just an issue among layperson, designers also been affected during the international cooperation. Naturally, there are gaps existing between different cultures (Jones, 2011). For example, the masterpieces of Japanese director Akira Kurosawa considered as the portraits of ideological conflicts and exhibits individual’s sacrifices for feudalism. But on their Western re-making versions, the heroism and anarchism were been emphasized instead. Just like the differences between Samurai and cowboy, design languages and signals are preforming in different way from east to west.
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Design has established itself as core elements in societies helping countless communities build infrastructure, invent new ways to better living conditions and create design desirable for consumption hence bettering the economy. Though this is a positive, most designers of the 21st century use their skills and their designs alike for those who can afford it; designing for what’s in fact the minority, 10% of the world’s population. The reason why developmental aid and design for development is essential to improving standards of living for those who live in developing countries, but to also bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. Ilse Oosterlaken (2009, p.100) equates most designs for development that use a `participatory' process as having a limited, user-centred approach; and suggests instead a more universal design approach, which she calls ‘capability sensitive design’. This essay will illustrate designs that have contributed to developmental design through capability sensitive design approach, considering sustainable design that are not only better the environment, community health and social welfare but the country’s economic standing. Through evaluating each example’s potential for real, sufficient, diverse and lasting value for the targeted users we can determine each design’s efficiency.
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One of the key ideas of the modern era was to forge the designs of the future on the corpses of the past, disregarding everything from the last era and moving forward with new ideals and styles. Refining and discarding they shaped, molded and constricted the ideas of design until reaching the pinnacle of minimalism. Creating design with pure aesthetics and reducing an object down to its core fundamental elements. Using the ideas of “less is more” or even “using less for more”, the designs ended up simple and elegant with a focus not in quantit...
In order to better understand the context of the paper, it would be beneficial to read “Design for the Real World” by Victor Papanek, furthermore, that lack of socially responsible design awareness at academic institutions is of great concern, in order to support the social design awareness, more research into where and how social design is taught, would add additional value to the claims in this review.
There are 25 major specialties in engineering that are recognized by professional societies. In any one of those 25 specialties, the goal of the engineer is the same. The goal is to be able to come up with a cost effective design that aids people in the tasks they face each day. Whether it be the coffee machine in the morning or the roads and highways we travel, or even the cars we travel in, it was all an idea that started with an engineer. Someone engineered each idea to make it the best solution to a problem. Even though engineer’s goals are similar, there are many different things that engineers do within their selected field of engineering. This paper will focus on the architectural field of engineering.
Pisha, B., & Coyne, P. (2001). Smart from the start. The promise of universal design for
Design has major impact with concerns to environmental qualities. This field is a direct study of the relationship between behaviouristic actions of its inhabitants. Designers constantly interact with people and communicate to solve the needs of their clients regardless of large or small scale projects. Analysis is key in combining creativity with managerial design solutions. These outside-of-the-box designers have the ability to create beautiful, safe and functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces using common factors, designing for communities as well as,
‘You cannot hold a design in your hand. It is not a thing. It is a process. A system. A way of thinking.’ Bob Gill, Graphic Design as a Second Language.