1. What seminar readings, exercises, or assignments were most challenging, interesting, or rewarding for you? Why?
Even though it was a pretty small assignment, I really loved the egg drop. Having the structure that Abby and I designed and built survive through that fall felt really rewarding. I wish we could have done more things like this where we directly applied the design principles we learned to a project.
I also was intrigued by our discussions on store design. It made me reconsider my surroundings and the choices other people made to influence my decisions. I will now always be conscious of owner’s manipulations because of this class.
2. What are the most important things you learned in this seminar?
Everything about the world of design can be narrowed down to its visceral, behavioral, and reflective qualities. A good design (of anything) should take into account the way it affects the user through these three lanes.
3. How might you use this learning in the future?
I am now more aware of the ways in which I am manipulated by the advertizing and design industry. I can consciously choose to succumb to these influences or counteract them now, rather than being oblivious to them.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Wkipedia Article
THEY KEEP DELETING IT CHUCK!!!!! I am so frustrated
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Elizabeth_Chater&action=edit&redlink=1
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Elizabeth_Chater&action=edit&redlink=1
Monday, November 16, 2009
Architecture Symptoms of Failure and the Current Design Process
1. What are examples of architectural design that you consider to be epic failures?
There is a mall in Portland, OR that is almost completely deserted save for a "Made in Oregon" tourist store and occasional art classes. There is so much space in this building. It is seemingly viscerally attractive (white pillars, marble, could have been clean at one time). It is well geographically situated...there seems to be nothing wrong with it. But then, if you take a close look at how the place is designed, it all makes sense. First, there is only one main entrance. It is on the side of the building, not the corner, and it is dark and intimidating. From the start they would have trouble getting people in there. Then, once inside, you notice that everything is square, and some of the corners block the view of other storse when standing most anywhere (the stores would not play off of each other's sales). And they never managed to make it desirable enough in the first place for people to come. It doesn't offer anything new. It's just big, white, and uninteresting. Some flashy advertisements would help, along with a new front entrance and curving hallways.
2. Good, Bad, and Ugly. Choose a building on K campus and analyze its behavioral and visceral usability.
Fine Arts Building. Used for performances of all kinds: includes a theatrical theatre (Balch), an any-use theatre (Dalton), a recital hall, and a black box theatre. It is also home to all rehearsal and practice rooms (for both music and theatre), a gallery and shop space for visual art, and a set construction space as well. This building astounds me because of how much it contains, and once you get to know the place, how naturally it works.
I am going to use Balch theatre (and it's many pre-show extremities) as my example because that is where I have recently frequented much of my time. Starting with the lobby: low ceilings, carpet, and pentagonal shape. Was probably fashionable when it was built but is now a little outdated. Also there are three doors at the outside entrance which all swing out the same way. That is often a problem because one can't really tell which way they go. However, this space does hold all audience pre-show amenities (bathroom, advertisement lighting, ticket booth.) Then the audience may enter through any of 4 sets of double doors into a decompression zone (useful for unwanted spilling light or actor entrances from the house). The house is situated in an acoustically optimal way (high ceilings, thrust stage), and visually optimal way (all seats have a good angle). I find it weird though that the seats themselves are 3 different colors...again with the outdated 70s design that is functional but not necessarily aesthetically pleasing. There are two voms (vomitories, or entrances from the audience) that are useful for surprise entrances and necessary exits. They lead straight to the rehearsal room where classes are held and actors can be before their entrances. If the lights are on in the rehearsal room, though, there is some flooding into the house...therefore there is a green room around the corner where the actors SHOULD be if their entrance is not immediate. The rehearsal room branches off two ways. One hallway leads to one dressing room and a doorway and staircase leading up to backstage left, and the other is the same but opposite. In the middle is the makeup room, lined with bright lights and long mirrors. Actors can cut across this room if they are in a hurry. There are also numerous conveniently placed doors (leading from the scene shop directly on to stage, the scene shop to the dumpsters, the lobby to the rehearsal room...). Basically the design of Balch is really confusing, a little outdated, but BRILLIANT nonetheless.
3. What is the flaw in the current design process? How could this problem be fixed?
The flaw in the current design process is "behavioral data are not currently developed and quantified for a building or planning project, nor is feedback a part of the process". Not only should the owner, architect and regulatory government be involved, but also the people who are going to be utilizing that space when it is finished. Architect should not try to fix behavioral problems with their "Rules of Thumb", a list of don'ts that doesn't take into account the behavioral necessities of the environment.
There is a mall in Portland, OR that is almost completely deserted save for a "Made in Oregon" tourist store and occasional art classes. There is so much space in this building. It is seemingly viscerally attractive (white pillars, marble, could have been clean at one time). It is well geographically situated...there seems to be nothing wrong with it. But then, if you take a close look at how the place is designed, it all makes sense. First, there is only one main entrance. It is on the side of the building, not the corner, and it is dark and intimidating. From the start they would have trouble getting people in there. Then, once inside, you notice that everything is square, and some of the corners block the view of other storse when standing most anywhere (the stores would not play off of each other's sales). And they never managed to make it desirable enough in the first place for people to come. It doesn't offer anything new. It's just big, white, and uninteresting. Some flashy advertisements would help, along with a new front entrance and curving hallways.
2. Good, Bad, and Ugly. Choose a building on K campus and analyze its behavioral and visceral usability.
Fine Arts Building. Used for performances of all kinds: includes a theatrical theatre (Balch), an any-use theatre (Dalton), a recital hall, and a black box theatre. It is also home to all rehearsal and practice rooms (for both music and theatre), a gallery and shop space for visual art, and a set construction space as well. This building astounds me because of how much it contains, and once you get to know the place, how naturally it works.
I am going to use Balch theatre (and it's many pre-show extremities) as my example because that is where I have recently frequented much of my time. Starting with the lobby: low ceilings, carpet, and pentagonal shape. Was probably fashionable when it was built but is now a little outdated. Also there are three doors at the outside entrance which all swing out the same way. That is often a problem because one can't really tell which way they go. However, this space does hold all audience pre-show amenities (bathroom, advertisement lighting, ticket booth.) Then the audience may enter through any of 4 sets of double doors into a decompression zone (useful for unwanted spilling light or actor entrances from the house). The house is situated in an acoustically optimal way (high ceilings, thrust stage), and visually optimal way (all seats have a good angle). I find it weird though that the seats themselves are 3 different colors...again with the outdated 70s design that is functional but not necessarily aesthetically pleasing. There are two voms (vomitories, or entrances from the audience) that are useful for surprise entrances and necessary exits. They lead straight to the rehearsal room where classes are held and actors can be before their entrances. If the lights are on in the rehearsal room, though, there is some flooding into the house...therefore there is a green room around the corner where the actors SHOULD be if their entrance is not immediate. The rehearsal room branches off two ways. One hallway leads to one dressing room and a doorway and staircase leading up to backstage left, and the other is the same but opposite. In the middle is the makeup room, lined with bright lights and long mirrors. Actors can cut across this room if they are in a hurry. There are also numerous conveniently placed doors (leading from the scene shop directly on to stage, the scene shop to the dumpsters, the lobby to the rehearsal room...). Basically the design of Balch is really confusing, a little outdated, but BRILLIANT nonetheless.
3. What is the flaw in the current design process? How could this problem be fixed?
The flaw in the current design process is "behavioral data are not currently developed and quantified for a building or planning project, nor is feedback a part of the process". Not only should the owner, architect and regulatory government be involved, but also the people who are going to be utilizing that space when it is finished. Architect should not try to fix behavioral problems with their "Rules of Thumb", a list of don'ts that doesn't take into account the behavioral necessities of the environment.
Ads Fads & Consumer Culture Response
1. Select a brief passage from the reading and explain why you thought it was interesting.
"There are several other excellent, action packed ads for light beer, featuring heavyweight boxers and huge football players who rip open beer cans as if they were hand grenades. Thus we males are reassures that drinking light beer will not make people think we are sissies."
The viewer looks to advertisements for reassurance. No matter how much we are opposed to idealistic and stereotypical commercials (housewives cleaning, men drinking beer...etc) that is what the companies behind the media want us to believe is the standard. And to a certain extent, if they say so, it's true. Therefore advertisements have an affect on our lives and actions because in our society today, they help define our conception of normality (or in some cases perfection).
2. What do you think were the author's key points?
-Advertizing is a huge industry that plays many different roles in our modern society. "Plays an important role in the socialization of people young and old ...provides what might be called 'product knowledge'".
-Though according to some psychological studies, advertizing does not have an affect on people's psyches, companies continue to use it and measure success. It leaves a certain flavor in the subconscious, and this affect is big enough for it to continue.
- Television commercials are pieces of art and one should consider watching tv solely to observe them.
-"Commercials are part of ‘teleculture’, which is now probably the most enculturation and socializing force operating in society."
3. Why is it important to have a psychological understanding when it comes to advertising?
So as not to be misled by the statistics that indicate that advertising does not have an affect on people. People are persuaded in mysterious ways and they themselves do not always know what it is they want or need. Advertising influences cultural behavior and the collective unconscious, enough so to where it is still worth to the companies all the money put into it.
"There are several other excellent, action packed ads for light beer, featuring heavyweight boxers and huge football players who rip open beer cans as if they were hand grenades. Thus we males are reassures that drinking light beer will not make people think we are sissies."
The viewer looks to advertisements for reassurance. No matter how much we are opposed to idealistic and stereotypical commercials (housewives cleaning, men drinking beer...etc) that is what the companies behind the media want us to believe is the standard. And to a certain extent, if they say so, it's true. Therefore advertisements have an affect on our lives and actions because in our society today, they help define our conception of normality (or in some cases perfection).
2. What do you think were the author's key points?
-Advertizing is a huge industry that plays many different roles in our modern society. "Plays an important role in the socialization of people young and old ...provides what might be called 'product knowledge'".
-Though according to some psychological studies, advertizing does not have an affect on people's psyches, companies continue to use it and measure success. It leaves a certain flavor in the subconscious, and this affect is big enough for it to continue.
- Television commercials are pieces of art and one should consider watching tv solely to observe them.
-"Commercials are part of ‘teleculture’, which is now probably the most enculturation and socializing force operating in society."
3. Why is it important to have a psychological understanding when it comes to advertising?
So as not to be misled by the statistics that indicate that advertising does not have an affect on people. People are persuaded in mysterious ways and they themselves do not always know what it is they want or need. Advertising influences cultural behavior and the collective unconscious, enough so to where it is still worth to the companies all the money put into it.
Group Requirements
1. Award winning designs that suck!
-behavioral design is often over looked during the design process and building analysis
-codes and zoning don’t make up for behavioral design
-Frank Lloyd Whyte museum breaks the mold. CBS Tower: Over Designed
-Architecture and society: The Architecture Reader
2. Relates hand in hand to Norman’s behavioral, visceral and reflective feedback, mapping, visual clues (affordances)
Questions:
-What are examples of architectural design that you consider to be epic failures?
-Good, Bad, and Ugly. Choose a building on K campus and analyze its behavioral and visceral usability.
-What is the flaw in the current design process? How could this problem be fixed?
-behavioral design is often over looked during the design process and building analysis
-codes and zoning don’t make up for behavioral design
-Frank Lloyd Whyte museum breaks the mold. CBS Tower: Over Designed
-Architecture and society: The Architecture Reader
2. Relates hand in hand to Norman’s behavioral, visceral and reflective feedback, mapping, visual clues (affordances)
Questions:
-What are examples of architectural design that you consider to be epic failures?
-Good, Bad, and Ugly. Choose a building on K campus and analyze its behavioral and visceral usability.
-What is the flaw in the current design process? How could this problem be fixed?
Thesis
Thesis: The packaging of a product is often the persuading factor in a sale, often more so than the qualities of the product itself.
To: Skeptics of the importance and influence of advertizing
Some people consider themselves immune to the world of advertizing. When they enter into a grocery store looking for a product, they are convinced that the exterior of a product does not sway their choices; it is only the characteristics of what’s inside that matters. That is all well and good, for an idealist. But how logical is this claim? Taking into account our media driven and visually stimulated world, it is erroneous to assert that the packaging of a product would have no influence on its final sale. Often the exterior appearance of a product is the persuading factor, more so than the qualities of the product itself.
Before addressing the psychology behind people’s product choices though, it is necessary to analyze what makes a product’s package successful. According to Stacy King Gordon a marketing communication consultant, it must be simple, use bold and basic colors, and dare to be different.
To: Skeptics of the importance and influence of advertizing
Some people consider themselves immune to the world of advertizing. When they enter into a grocery store looking for a product, they are convinced that the exterior of a product does not sway their choices; it is only the characteristics of what’s inside that matters. That is all well and good, for an idealist. But how logical is this claim? Taking into account our media driven and visually stimulated world, it is erroneous to assert that the packaging of a product would have no influence on its final sale. Often the exterior appearance of a product is the persuading factor, more so than the qualities of the product itself.
Before addressing the psychology behind people’s product choices though, it is necessary to analyze what makes a product’s package successful. According to Stacy King Gordon a marketing communication consultant, it must be simple, use bold and basic colors, and dare to be different.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Fashion Response
1. Why is fashion so reflective, when it could be purely functional and behavioral? (Why do people feel an impulse to express and redefine themselves through their cloths?)
The cloths people wear associate them with a certain ideology, wether consciously or unconsciously, fashion is an external expression of the internal. Physical adornments afford specific qualities. For example, if consumers buy and support a specific brand name, they are affiliating themselves with the quality or feeling that band projects; North face= expensive yet practical, Levi= comfortable, playful, and patriotic. The qualities are not only functional associations, but reflective as well.
2. Jones discusses the importance of time as it relates to fashion- why does fashion change and evolve, instead of remaining static and functional?
Because change is inevitable. People change, the economy changes, there are cultural shifts and social and political rise and fall... why should fashion be any different? A good industry moves with the times and accommodates the variant needs of the people.
3. Based on the reading, make a checklist of principles to consider when designing a garment.
-Does is fulfill a prevalent need: behavioral and utility.
-Will people want it? Does it make sense with the curve of the times? Does it fill a niche?
-Will people respond to the marketing?
The cloths people wear associate them with a certain ideology, wether consciously or unconsciously, fashion is an external expression of the internal. Physical adornments afford specific qualities. For example, if consumers buy and support a specific brand name, they are affiliating themselves with the quality or feeling that band projects; North face= expensive yet practical, Levi= comfortable, playful, and patriotic. The qualities are not only functional associations, but reflective as well.
2. Jones discusses the importance of time as it relates to fashion- why does fashion change and evolve, instead of remaining static and functional?
Because change is inevitable. People change, the economy changes, there are cultural shifts and social and political rise and fall... why should fashion be any different? A good industry moves with the times and accommodates the variant needs of the people.
3. Based on the reading, make a checklist of principles to consider when designing a garment.
-Does is fulfill a prevalent need: behavioral and utility.
-Will people want it? Does it make sense with the curve of the times? Does it fill a niche?
-Will people respond to the marketing?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
"Simplicity is Highly Overrated" By Donald Norman Response
1. Identify the thesis statement of this essay.
"Because the people want the features. Because simplicity is a myth whose time has past, if it ever existed."
2. Identify at least 3 points the author uses to support that thesis statement.
-"Haven’t you ever compared two products side by side, comparing the features of each, preferring the one that did more? Why shame on you, you are behaving, well, behaving like a normal person."
-"It appears that marketing won the day. And I suspect marketing was right. Would you pay more money for a washing machine with less controls? In the abstract, maybe. At the store? Probably not."
- "The complex expensive toaster? I bet it sells well."
3. If you were to write an essay on the same topic, but with an apposing argument, what would your thesis be?
People want simplicity in the products they buy; extra features are meaningless, confusing and do not factor in to the successful sale of a product.
"Because the people want the features. Because simplicity is a myth whose time has past, if it ever existed."
2. Identify at least 3 points the author uses to support that thesis statement.
-"Haven’t you ever compared two products side by side, comparing the features of each, preferring the one that did more? Why shame on you, you are behaving, well, behaving like a normal person."
-"It appears that marketing won the day. And I suspect marketing was right. Would you pay more money for a washing machine with less controls? In the abstract, maybe. At the store? Probably not."
- "The complex expensive toaster? I bet it sells well."
3. If you were to write an essay on the same topic, but with an apposing argument, what would your thesis be?
People want simplicity in the products they buy; extra features are meaningless, confusing and do not factor in to the successful sale of a product.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Downtown
1. Write a short evaluation of Downtown Kalamazoo's business area using specific examples from Friday’s observations.
It was Friday afternoon and the mall strip was deserted. There are things that downtown is doing right, and things that it is doing wrong. Street: Pattered and colored bricks, rounded curb edges, very wide sidewalks. Specifically tailored to the needs of pedestrians in looks and function. Has character. Signposts: Functional yet aesthetically pleasing. Foliage: Just enough. Yet, often the store signs are hidden from view by it. There is a really good mix of stores there: fine shoes, sports, boutique, co-op grocer, coffee, nice restaurants, pizza. A lot of the stores are closed at off hours and even when open, are dark and uninviting. However, there are the few like Gazelle sports, that project an image of success, therefore are usually successful.
2. Give at least three recommendations to improve the downtown.
-The signs for automotive traffic could be larger and clearer. Or they could just get rid of all the one way streets becuase they are so confusing. If I drove a car here, I would be dissuaded to drive downtown because of how confuing it is to cars.
-Some of the stores could use clearer signage to communicate eactly what it is they do. Also the indoor mall, though it includes attractions like the organic grocery store, doesn't pull people in. It needs a more appealing and better labeled entrance.
-A lot of the store are just dead, and there are just too many banks. The numerous banks are almost ironic, or mocking in these economic times. If the city could afford it, the town could use more stores to fill up the empty spots.
3. Select a brief passage from the article about Robert Gibbs (“What Main Street Can Learn from the Mall” by Steven Lagerfeld) or the reading on public spaces (from City by William Whyte) and relate it to Kalamazoo’s downtown. Use specific observations from Kalamazoo to illustrate the point.
Disclaimer: The point that I am about to make may not fully answer this question but I find it so interesting that I am going to talk about it anyway.
"Movement attracts. Day in, day out, the best drawing display on Lexington Avenue is a pet shop with a window full of puppies and kittens".
About a month ago at the art hop downtown outside of one of the stores, there was a group of girls in ballet outfits advertising a certain studio in the area and their upcoming performance. The interesting thing about them was not necessarily what they were selling but how they were doing it. Each was wearing a neutral mask that completely covered the face. They stood in a group on the sidewalk with their masks, struck a pose, held it, then moved again. They were brilliantly located because there was not a way to pass them without looking. I was caught by their scheme for three reasons 1. You couldn't see their faces! There was an element of mystery that drew people in. 2. They moved, which relates to the quote from Whyte's article. 3. Occasionally they didn't move. You knew there was the potential that they might, and it was the waiting that was intriguing.
This weekend I experienced something similar to the masked girls when a couple of us from the Rhinoceros cast went down to the art hop (in a warehouse building, I don't remember the name) and tromped around like rhinos. We moved! And that is what caught people's attention. They didn't have to come to us, we were in their face before they could make the decision. It was easier to listen to our plug than not to.
It was Friday afternoon and the mall strip was deserted. There are things that downtown is doing right, and things that it is doing wrong. Street: Pattered and colored bricks, rounded curb edges, very wide sidewalks. Specifically tailored to the needs of pedestrians in looks and function. Has character. Signposts: Functional yet aesthetically pleasing. Foliage: Just enough. Yet, often the store signs are hidden from view by it. There is a really good mix of stores there: fine shoes, sports, boutique, co-op grocer, coffee, nice restaurants, pizza. A lot of the stores are closed at off hours and even when open, are dark and uninviting. However, there are the few like Gazelle sports, that project an image of success, therefore are usually successful.
2. Give at least three recommendations to improve the downtown.
-The signs for automotive traffic could be larger and clearer. Or they could just get rid of all the one way streets becuase they are so confusing. If I drove a car here, I would be dissuaded to drive downtown because of how confuing it is to cars.
-Some of the stores could use clearer signage to communicate eactly what it is they do. Also the indoor mall, though it includes attractions like the organic grocery store, doesn't pull people in. It needs a more appealing and better labeled entrance.
-A lot of the store are just dead, and there are just too many banks. The numerous banks are almost ironic, or mocking in these economic times. If the city could afford it, the town could use more stores to fill up the empty spots.
3. Select a brief passage from the article about Robert Gibbs (“What Main Street Can Learn from the Mall” by Steven Lagerfeld) or the reading on public spaces (from City by William Whyte) and relate it to Kalamazoo’s downtown. Use specific observations from Kalamazoo to illustrate the point.
Disclaimer: The point that I am about to make may not fully answer this question but I find it so interesting that I am going to talk about it anyway.
"Movement attracts. Day in, day out, the best drawing display on Lexington Avenue is a pet shop with a window full of puppies and kittens".
About a month ago at the art hop downtown outside of one of the stores, there was a group of girls in ballet outfits advertising a certain studio in the area and their upcoming performance. The interesting thing about them was not necessarily what they were selling but how they were doing it. Each was wearing a neutral mask that completely covered the face. They stood in a group on the sidewalk with their masks, struck a pose, held it, then moved again. They were brilliantly located because there was not a way to pass them without looking. I was caught by their scheme for three reasons 1. You couldn't see their faces! There was an element of mystery that drew people in. 2. They moved, which relates to the quote from Whyte's article. 3. Occasionally they didn't move. You knew there was the potential that they might, and it was the waiting that was intriguing.
This weekend I experienced something similar to the masked girls when a couple of us from the Rhinoceros cast went down to the art hop (in a warehouse building, I don't remember the name) and tromped around like rhinos. We moved! And that is what caught people's attention. They didn't have to come to us, we were in their face before they could make the decision. It was easier to listen to our plug than not to.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Friday Prep
1. To what extent do Whyte and Gibbs approach city design from different perspectives? Do you find one more convincing than the other?
Gibbs sees things in a purely logistical way. I am not totally persuaded by his insights because I feel like he doesn't care about people, only sales. He sees his design improvements as ways to manipulate people's pockets, not their pleasure. Whyte's suggestions seem more focused on the overall shopping experience, and while he is concerned with the success of a sale, he sees where the real people come into the equation.
2. What elements of an urban area are particularly attractive to you? What elements repel you?
I personally love urban plans that include a lot of natural elements, for example flower pot hangings and trees lining the sidewalks. I don't care if they detract from optimum profit for the stores, I would much rather stroll down a street that includes nature. It provides a kind of relief from the overwhelming world of shopping. Streets that are not well-kept or look like they might attract "sketchy" people repel me. I would rather pay a little bit more for a nice experience, than be hassled for a good deal. I also like streets that have large enough sidewalks. Cars scare me... a lot... and I like to be as far from them as possible.
3. Describe egg experience: designing, building, and testing your egg container.
Our design was actually really spontaneous. I came up with the idea of a triangular prism in class as a way to protect the egg and we sort of went with it. Abby thought of the straws, which was brilliant. And then we talked about how we wanted to keep the egg in the prism. Suspending it seems like a really good idea because the egg would experience the least impact and required the least amount of other kinds of protection. Then we surrounded the egg in play dough to keep it stationary yet protected and we put it in a plastic container. This was the central vessel, which consisted of little or no air space so the egg could not more anywhere. I had packing tape which was strong, yet forgiving. It held everything in place really well. Then we added the parachute last so that the impact would be lessened and it would land on the side that the egg was not touching. I was pretty confident in our design... I just couldn't think of any improvements to it so I knew that it would at least be pretty successful. Low and behold, IT WORKED.
My Partner was Abby: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08150634254439690604
Gibbs sees things in a purely logistical way. I am not totally persuaded by his insights because I feel like he doesn't care about people, only sales. He sees his design improvements as ways to manipulate people's pockets, not their pleasure. Whyte's suggestions seem more focused on the overall shopping experience, and while he is concerned with the success of a sale, he sees where the real people come into the equation.
2. What elements of an urban area are particularly attractive to you? What elements repel you?
I personally love urban plans that include a lot of natural elements, for example flower pot hangings and trees lining the sidewalks. I don't care if they detract from optimum profit for the stores, I would much rather stroll down a street that includes nature. It provides a kind of relief from the overwhelming world of shopping. Streets that are not well-kept or look like they might attract "sketchy" people repel me. I would rather pay a little bit more for a nice experience, than be hassled for a good deal. I also like streets that have large enough sidewalks. Cars scare me... a lot... and I like to be as far from them as possible.
3. Describe egg experience: designing, building, and testing your egg container.
Our design was actually really spontaneous. I came up with the idea of a triangular prism in class as a way to protect the egg and we sort of went with it. Abby thought of the straws, which was brilliant. And then we talked about how we wanted to keep the egg in the prism. Suspending it seems like a really good idea because the egg would experience the least impact and required the least amount of other kinds of protection. Then we surrounded the egg in play dough to keep it stationary yet protected and we put it in a plastic container. This was the central vessel, which consisted of little or no air space so the egg could not more anywhere. I had packing tape which was strong, yet forgiving. It held everything in place really well. Then we added the parachute last so that the impact would be lessened and it would land on the side that the egg was not touching. I was pretty confident in our design... I just couldn't think of any improvements to it so I knew that it would at least be pretty successful. Low and behold, IT WORKED.
My Partner was Abby: http://www.blogger.com/profile/08150634254439690604
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
City Response
1. What do you feel were the author's key points in this chapter?
A well designed Main Street includes "Buildings flush to the sidewalk, stores along the frontage, doors and windows on the street". He says his key points outright, and then makes specific suggestions as to how these can be implemented afterwards.
2. Compare Whyte's ideas on design to Norman's concepts that we studied earlier. What's similar? What's different?
Norman's main concepts: Visceral, Behavioral, and Reflective Design. Norman categorizes most of his analysis into these three titles. He takes into account all aspects of the design by labeling its components. Whyte sees the world in much the same way that Norman does (taking into account all aspects of a design), but he chooses the overlying picture rather than breaking something down. Whyte seems to observe the OVERALL effect. For example "There's too much unified signage... too much good taste in general... and since many designers have the same good taste, the result is bland conformity. What's needed are simple benches, placed in relation to use." Whyte sees the symptom, and knows the cure. Norman sees the symptom, analyzes it, breaks it down, puts it back together, and then ventures a possible cure.
3. Create a checklist, based on Whyte's chapter, that could be used to analyze an urban area.
-Does the flow of traffic direct people into stores?
-Is it easier to go into a store than not to (entrance design)?
-There should be a diverse selection of stores. Design cohesiveness between stores is not necessary.
-Is what the store sells clear from the window?
-Does the store's location and advertising scheme benefit the stores around it?
-Essentials (trash can etc.) should be obviously provided. In addition, amenities such as drinking fountains and places to tie shoelaces are nice.
A well designed Main Street includes "Buildings flush to the sidewalk, stores along the frontage, doors and windows on the street". He says his key points outright, and then makes specific suggestions as to how these can be implemented afterwards.
2. Compare Whyte's ideas on design to Norman's concepts that we studied earlier. What's similar? What's different?
Norman's main concepts: Visceral, Behavioral, and Reflective Design. Norman categorizes most of his analysis into these three titles. He takes into account all aspects of the design by labeling its components. Whyte sees the world in much the same way that Norman does (taking into account all aspects of a design), but he chooses the overlying picture rather than breaking something down. Whyte seems to observe the OVERALL effect. For example "There's too much unified signage... too much good taste in general... and since many designers have the same good taste, the result is bland conformity. What's needed are simple benches, placed in relation to use." Whyte sees the symptom, and knows the cure. Norman sees the symptom, analyzes it, breaks it down, puts it back together, and then ventures a possible cure.
3. Create a checklist, based on Whyte's chapter, that could be used to analyze an urban area.
-Does the flow of traffic direct people into stores?
-Is it easier to go into a store than not to (entrance design)?
-There should be a diverse selection of stores. Design cohesiveness between stores is not necessary.
-Is what the store sells clear from the window?
-Does the store's location and advertising scheme benefit the stores around it?
-Essentials (trash can etc.) should be obviously provided. In addition, amenities such as drinking fountains and places to tie shoelaces are nice.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Robert Gibbs Response
1. List the criteria Robert Gibbs uses to evaluate a Main Street
-Is there a generator (a big shot to draw people in)?
-Is is vehicle accessible and friendly?
-Does it follow logical affordances of location (turn to the right)?
- Store and merchandise are inviting and visible from the beginning (parking lot). Advertizes the logos.
-Nothing should detract from the sale. Being decorative is only good to a certain point.
2. Think critically of Gibbs’ argument. Do you think “Main Street” should be a mall?
He makes some very persuasive points. Having a flourishing main street is necessary for the success of a town. Also, I agree with some of the usability and advertizing arguments he makes, particularly displaying signs in an easily legible way and letting the store’s exterior reflect what they sell inside. However, I feel like he is biased when because of his profession. He only looks at what it takes to make the sale, and chooses to disregard amenities, like a park, that could add to overall pleasantness. He seems to see people as vehicles that can be manipulated with the right stimulus, and will accomplish the tasks he designed for them. The atmosphere of a mall feels so derived; I personally enjoy walking down Main Street and experiencing what it has to offer without that sort of fake feeling that Gibbs sometimes advocates.
3. Make your own checklist to judge a Main Street. What things do you think are important?
-A variety of shops. Well kept exteriors that advertize what it is they sell inside.
-Places to sit or eat outside.
-Take the Kalamazoo Mall Strip as an example of a vehicle-less successful Main Street. I enjoy the lack of cars. The mall is focused completely on its people customers. Display windows are detailed catered to the slower-paced passerby. The atmosphere is more relaxed. In addition, since there are no other distractions, people have the choice to focus on their shopping mission, or socialize in the street.
-Is there a generator (a big shot to draw people in)?
-Is is vehicle accessible and friendly?
-Does it follow logical affordances of location (turn to the right)?
- Store and merchandise are inviting and visible from the beginning (parking lot). Advertizes the logos.
-Nothing should detract from the sale. Being decorative is only good to a certain point.
2. Think critically of Gibbs’ argument. Do you think “Main Street” should be a mall?
He makes some very persuasive points. Having a flourishing main street is necessary for the success of a town. Also, I agree with some of the usability and advertizing arguments he makes, particularly displaying signs in an easily legible way and letting the store’s exterior reflect what they sell inside. However, I feel like he is biased when because of his profession. He only looks at what it takes to make the sale, and chooses to disregard amenities, like a park, that could add to overall pleasantness. He seems to see people as vehicles that can be manipulated with the right stimulus, and will accomplish the tasks he designed for them. The atmosphere of a mall feels so derived; I personally enjoy walking down Main Street and experiencing what it has to offer without that sort of fake feeling that Gibbs sometimes advocates.
3. Make your own checklist to judge a Main Street. What things do you think are important?
-A variety of shops. Well kept exteriors that advertize what it is they sell inside.
-Places to sit or eat outside.
-Take the Kalamazoo Mall Strip as an example of a vehicle-less successful Main Street. I enjoy the lack of cars. The mall is focused completely on its people customers. Display windows are detailed catered to the slower-paced passerby. The atmosphere is more relaxed. In addition, since there are no other distractions, people have the choice to focus on their shopping mission, or socialize in the street.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
