Chapter 3 Design Judgment

Good Design is…. The selection and organization of materials and

forms to fulfill a particular function. An intrinsically conscious process, the deliberate

act of forming materials to fit a certain utilitarian or aesthetic function.

The first primitive hunter had to “design” an effective weapon by shaping a stone and twig. He saw a need, considered how to shape and adapt the material and worked out the process of forming the material to achieve a particular goal.

Factors that influence design Function Material Technology Style

These four aspects establish the fundamental basis from which to evaluate design quality.

Good Design is Timeless Functionality is a quality that evolves over

decades--and sometimes centuries--of continual refinement

not an overnight design idea Functionalism has more to do with history,

evolution and a timeless way of building than it does with trendy marketing schemes.

Form Follows Function Coined by Louis Sullivan,

American Architect, considered the first American modern architect

The Tall Office Building Artistically Considered, published in 1896

If an object has to perform a certain function, its design must support that function to the fullest extent possible.

What is Great Design?

“Great design is an icon of the time, an expression of sincerity and authenticity. It is a metaphor for an attitude; it communicates a spirit. That's why the chairs that were designed by Charles and Ray Eames still enchant people today.”

“Great design has a strong signature, but it never draws attention to itself. If it says that it's "designer," then it's a fraud: the designer lamp, the designer hotel, the designer belt. Great design is always conceptually new -- and it's new forever. You can look at a well-designed object again and again, even if it was designed 50 years ago, and it still resonates with you.”

Rolf FehlbaumVitra CEO

Classic Design : Form Follows Function

1956

1946

1929

1948

1948

Form NOT following functionKitsch: art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste

because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way

Function Rarely do we have an opportunity to develop or

create a new design. Most of what we design is actually a redesign

or an improvement of a design that already exists.

Design Detective Assignment

Materials When judging good design, the material selected

for any object must be suitable and appropriate for its intended use.

Will the fabric wear well and easily clean on the seating specified in a high traffic waiting area of a doctor’s office.

Will the flooring used in the corridor of a hospital be easy to maintain and promote safety for the patients.

Will a wood grain laminate substitute for the desk tops used in an office.

Technology The industrial revolution had an enormous impact

on the methods by which objects were designed and produced. Before the industrial revolution, craftsmen focused on user needs and how the object was to be used. Today, with the mass production and competition, the focus has shifted to what the public wants…not necessarily their needs. Much of the improvements today were meant to tempt consumers in doing away with the old design and going for the newest, latest and “greatest”.

Can you think of any examples? http://www.usm.edu/news/article/professor%E2%80%99s-invention-rates-one-5-materials-could-change-world

Style Style is often directly related to

available materials and technology. Egypt: Nile river and it’s vegetation

With technological advances and the creation of new materials such as plastics, we see shifts in styles and aesthetic preferences.

Today’s interiors often relate to historical styles, however, today’s interiors reflect new materials and technology that could have never existed prior to the industrial revolution.

International StyleOriginated in Europe

Commercial and residential

Large amount of glass

Clean, contemporary, white walls, man-made materials, concrete, steel, etc.

Eclectic StyleFurnishings and styles from different periods

Objects from different cultures

Objects from travels

French Traditional

French Provincial

English Traditional

Cottage - Casual

Bungalow - Arts and Crafts

Design Judgment There is no single “rule of thumb” for good design or

good aesthetic judgment. Over time, exposure to a variety of designs and the study of the design elements and principles, one may begin to develop appreciation, sensitivity and discrimination.

Good design expresses a time and place, possesses character appropriate to its use and communicates its purpose and intent clearly.

Training the Eye Visit public buildings, museums, quality

furniture stores Tour of homes, showcase homes Media, trade magazines, web sites

Finding a personal style Don’t copy other’s Pare back and live without until you can purchase

the right piece Rearrange and rotate…good design doesn’t mean

starting with a clean slate Think “need” not “want”. Think function Be creative (not intimidated) to try new ideas Personalize Use good taste, timeless design

10 Principles of Good Design Good design is innovative Good design makes a product useful Good design is aesthetically pleasing Good design makes a product understandable Good design is unobtrusive Good design is honest Good design is long-lasting Good design is thorough down to the last detail Good design is environmentally friendly Good design is as little design as possible