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.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
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.
Monday, October 26, 2009
"Isn't it Ironic" and "The Power of the Box-Powerful Packing Design" Response
1. To what extent is packaging important in marketing a product? Give an example of how a package influenced your decision to buy (or not buy) something.
The packaging of a product is the initial impression. It serves the important purpose of drawing a consumer in. If the packaging wasn't there to catch the eye (even on a really wonderful product) then the sale would fail. I make an effort to switch my shampoo fairly often and always go on the lookout for cool looking yet affordable "new" products. Specifically I bought "Infusion" shampoo for just that reason: it caught my eye. Then I picked it up and smelled it, and had to buy it. The bottle is not only aesthetically pleasing and decently original, it is metallic silver. It gives off a modern edgy air, as if to say "we are not mainstream, but we are still really good at what we do".
2. What other products have iconic packaging?
The first thing that comes to mind is "Arm and Hammer" products: baking soda, detergent, etc. The logo is in the title, making it all the more recognizable. The package is bright orange with the iconic red circle surrounding the, wait for it, arm and hammer. Brilliant. That specific shade of orange is what makes this product so easily definable.
In my opinion, the Kashi label is iconic as well. The logo is so simple: the unique green shape with white negative space for the lettering. It communicates enough of what their healthy, go-green, message is that no other clutter is needed. The box itself may not be anything original, but what really catches my attention are the bars of color on the sides. They have a curve to them, so when one looks at the box from the front, it appears slimmer. Hence another message Kashi is putting across: one of the health conscious consumer.
3. What usability issues exist for packaging? Give examples of particularly good or bad packaging from a usability perspective.
Every time I buy some sort of new electronic device, say for example the cord that connects my laptop and camera, I struggle for a good 5-10 minutes opening the packaging. It is understandable that the plastic needs to be thick and plentiful for product protection, anti-thievery, and a few design purposes... but that doesn't explain why it is so darn hard to open. There are not even opening instructions on it. I attempted the scissor route, only to be literally impaled by sharp plastic. And then when I finally got down to the cardboard, it was attached by wire twistees which took some more gray-hair growing to undo. All in all, a painful and unnecessary process.
Also the grated cheese bags that have a tear-off top and underneath are zip up are usually rather frustrating. I usually tear the whole top off, including the zip up part, meaning I just undermined the design of the bag.
But now to the good: I had a trail mix bag a while ago that's packaging performed exactly as it should. I tore off the top and sturdily fixed underneath was the zip up device. It was wonderful. And I even appreciated it at the time too.
The packaging of a product is the initial impression. It serves the important purpose of drawing a consumer in. If the packaging wasn't there to catch the eye (even on a really wonderful product) then the sale would fail. I make an effort to switch my shampoo fairly often and always go on the lookout for cool looking yet affordable "new" products. Specifically I bought "Infusion" shampoo for just that reason: it caught my eye. Then I picked it up and smelled it, and had to buy it. The bottle is not only aesthetically pleasing and decently original, it is metallic silver. It gives off a modern edgy air, as if to say "we are not mainstream, but we are still really good at what we do".
2. What other products have iconic packaging?
The first thing that comes to mind is "Arm and Hammer" products: baking soda, detergent, etc. The logo is in the title, making it all the more recognizable. The package is bright orange with the iconic red circle surrounding the, wait for it, arm and hammer. Brilliant. That specific shade of orange is what makes this product so easily definable.
In my opinion, the Kashi label is iconic as well. The logo is so simple: the unique green shape with white negative space for the lettering. It communicates enough of what their healthy, go-green, message is that no other clutter is needed. The box itself may not be anything original, but what really catches my attention are the bars of color on the sides. They have a curve to them, so when one looks at the box from the front, it appears slimmer. Hence another message Kashi is putting across: one of the health conscious consumer.
3. What usability issues exist for packaging? Give examples of particularly good or bad packaging from a usability perspective.
Every time I buy some sort of new electronic device, say for example the cord that connects my laptop and camera, I struggle for a good 5-10 minutes opening the packaging. It is understandable that the plastic needs to be thick and plentiful for product protection, anti-thievery, and a few design purposes... but that doesn't explain why it is so darn hard to open. There are not even opening instructions on it. I attempted the scissor route, only to be literally impaled by sharp plastic. And then when I finally got down to the cardboard, it was attached by wire twistees which took some more gray-hair growing to undo. All in all, a painful and unnecessary process.
Also the grated cheese bags that have a tear-off top and underneath are zip up are usually rather frustrating. I usually tear the whole top off, including the zip up part, meaning I just undermined the design of the bag.
But now to the good: I had a trail mix bag a while ago that's packaging performed exactly as it should. I tore off the top and sturdily fixed underneath was the zip up device. It was wonderful. And I even appreciated it at the time too.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Retail Analysis
1. What store did you observe? Who do they market to?
I visited Stewart Clarke Fine Furniture and Interior Design. They market to upper-middle class adults (28+), most likely families or couples with a little more room in their houses.
2. Briefly describe the following
a. appearance of store entrance (from outside)
http://www.stewartclarkefurniture.com/images/photos/storefront_medium.jpg
Looks decently inviting. Neat, clean, white, well kept. Gives off an air of professionalism and invitation. Yet, it does not stand out from its surroundings.
b. sounds (inside the store)
Smooth jazz. Unobtrusive and nearly forgettable yet communicates a pleasant homey vibe.
c. how merchandise is displayed
At first glance, the store looks like the furniture gods threw-up. Yet once one makes the commitment of walking through the store, isles become clearer and one realizes that they are being taken on a kind of themed journey. Couches, chairs, carpets, and dressers are arranged in aesthetically pleasing arrangements (how-to set ups) and as one ventures deeper into the store, walls start to separate and define the arrangements.
d. floors
Carpet. Beige carpet. A good neutral, but at times I imagine that hard-wood floors would be more appealing. They also put patterned rugs over the carpet in places to complete a certain look or set-up.
e. signs
The logo for the store is incredibly simple, maybe even a bit boring. It is dark green and small, and from the street, almost illegible. There are signs around the store to indicate prices, all are clearly visible (they are very conscious that their prices be/or appear to be fair).
f. cashier area
It is in the VERY BACK of the store. But this is the kind of retailer where the sales-person brings the sale to the customer, not vice-versa. Therefore, there are tables in strategic locations around the store where deals can be made.
3. What image does this business try to project? Give specific examples of design elements that reflect this image.
This store wants its customers to feel like they are shopping at home (or to see the potential of how great their home could look). All items are sit-able, touchable, and accessible once in the "zone" of the store. Everything from the lighting tint and light fixtures to the material color palette and the wallpaper have a soft neutral hew. Beige, green, white, blue, and brown are frequented among the designs. Even the outside of the store looks like a home. They want to seem classy, yet low key.
4. How did customers interact with various elements of the store's design?
I touched everything. I sat on the soft chair and fingered the fake flowers in the glass vase and then ran my hand along the textured desk. Everything FELT beautiful and new and well cared for. They must expect this kind of behavior because people intimately interact with their furniture on a day-to-day basis. They WANT people to feel and experience their products, one of their best marketing strategies I'm sure.
5. What did you find interesting about the design of this store?
There is not a transition place between the street and the store. Immediately upon entering, I felt the heating, the change in lighting, and the musical ambiance. Everything was pleasant except for the change in temperature. Also, even though the exterior of the store sports large windows, there was little if any displays in them. I saw the back of a couch and their tiny logo from the street.
I visited Stewart Clarke Fine Furniture and Interior Design. They market to upper-middle class adults (28+), most likely families or couples with a little more room in their houses.
2. Briefly describe the following
a. appearance of store entrance (from outside)
http://www.stewartclarkefurniture.com/images/photos/storefront_medium.jpg
Looks decently inviting. Neat, clean, white, well kept. Gives off an air of professionalism and invitation. Yet, it does not stand out from its surroundings.
b. sounds (inside the store)
Smooth jazz. Unobtrusive and nearly forgettable yet communicates a pleasant homey vibe.
c. how merchandise is displayed
At first glance, the store looks like the furniture gods threw-up. Yet once one makes the commitment of walking through the store, isles become clearer and one realizes that they are being taken on a kind of themed journey. Couches, chairs, carpets, and dressers are arranged in aesthetically pleasing arrangements (how-to set ups) and as one ventures deeper into the store, walls start to separate and define the arrangements.
d. floors
Carpet. Beige carpet. A good neutral, but at times I imagine that hard-wood floors would be more appealing. They also put patterned rugs over the carpet in places to complete a certain look or set-up.
e. signs
The logo for the store is incredibly simple, maybe even a bit boring. It is dark green and small, and from the street, almost illegible. There are signs around the store to indicate prices, all are clearly visible (they are very conscious that their prices be/or appear to be fair).
f. cashier area
It is in the VERY BACK of the store. But this is the kind of retailer where the sales-person brings the sale to the customer, not vice-versa. Therefore, there are tables in strategic locations around the store where deals can be made.
3. What image does this business try to project? Give specific examples of design elements that reflect this image.
This store wants its customers to feel like they are shopping at home (or to see the potential of how great their home could look). All items are sit-able, touchable, and accessible once in the "zone" of the store. Everything from the lighting tint and light fixtures to the material color palette and the wallpaper have a soft neutral hew. Beige, green, white, blue, and brown are frequented among the designs. Even the outside of the store looks like a home. They want to seem classy, yet low key.
4. How did customers interact with various elements of the store's design?
I touched everything. I sat on the soft chair and fingered the fake flowers in the glass vase and then ran my hand along the textured desk. Everything FELT beautiful and new and well cared for. They must expect this kind of behavior because people intimately interact with their furniture on a day-to-day basis. They WANT people to feel and experience their products, one of their best marketing strategies I'm sure.
5. What did you find interesting about the design of this store?
There is not a transition place between the street and the store. Immediately upon entering, I felt the heating, the change in lighting, and the musical ambiance. Everything was pleasant except for the change in temperature. Also, even though the exterior of the store sports large windows, there was little if any displays in them. I saw the back of a couch and their tiny logo from the street.
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