Topic 6: Classic Design Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is timelessness?
An object that is “unaffected by the passage of time or changes in fashion”
Classic designs don’t begin life as timeless objects.
Why do designers need to think about timelessness?
Understanding the factors that make a design classic can inform the design of new, innovative products.
Features of Classic Designs
Iconic: represent a time period, movement, or culture/sub-culture
Instantly recognizable: shape, form, color, etc., of the design is instantly recognizable. This is usually the result of it being mass produced and having significant cultural importance or status.
Desirable: People want to own or use it. The design creates strong emotional responses in the user.
Transcend function: The design may be technologically obsolete, yet it is still desirable, either as a collectable or as a status symbol.
Widely imitated: Due to demand, the design is widely imitated, usually at a lower cost.
Resale Value: Classic designs command a higher resale value over knock-offs.
Collectable: The design has become a collectable.
Image
Aesthetically appealing designs are instantly recognizable and provoke an emotional response in the viewer.
Well-design designs create an emotional response in the viewer/user. These responses influence the user’s perception of the function and effectiveness of the design.
Emotional response:
visceral: Responses to the aesthetics of a design; First impressions.
behavioural: Responses to how the design performs, its function, usability, learnability, effectiveness
reflective: Responses to how the product relates to the user’s beliefs, memories, self-image; The product’s story.
Status and Culture
Classic designs can increase in value over time, and communicate the social status of a person. As some designs are rare or expensive, owning and using one can increase the perceived status of a person.
Obsolescence
classic designs transcend obsolescence. They continue to be desired objects long after the initial mass production and market dissemination has happened–they are timeless.
Mass Production
The mass production of a design is an important contributing factor for it to be considered a classic design. The mass production and distribution of a design ensures that it reaches the greatest number of users and achieves the greatest amount of visibility in society.
Ubiquitous / Omnipresent
A design that is ubiquitous or omnipresence is constantly present. It has become a part of our daily life, to the point where we have started to attach emotions or feelings to the product.
Ubiquitous designs persist in the marketplace despite their being newer or even better alternatives. Their iconic status makes them the preferred choice.
Dominant Design
one which has emerged to embody the essential features. The majority of manufacturers and consumers recognize these features and may use them as a benchmark when evaluating other designs.
Form versus function
The concept of Form follows Function describes how the form or aesthetics of an object should derive directly from its function. There should be no additional or extraneous elements or flourishes.
Design for Disassembly
The form of the design allows it to be easily separated for disassembly and reuse/recycling/disposal.
Design for Manufacture
The form of the design allows for it to be assembled effectively or economically; The manufacturing process dictates how the object looks.
Form follows FUNCTION
The shape and aesthetics of the design are determined by the function of the product.
Function follows FORM
The form of the design is prioritized over function.
This may be done to create certain emotional reactions in the user, take advantage of trends and fads, appeal to certain markets, or statuses.
Retro-styling
design strategy that seeks to use aesthetic elements of a classic design in a modern design. The goal here is to re-create the emotional responses that the original design created in users.
Conflict and compromise
Designers may face choices over what to prioritize in their design. Design teams consist of marketers, engineers, ergonomists, and designers, each with their own perspective of what is important in a design.
Practical function versus psychological function
Practical function refers to the performance of the product such as weight, size, etc. It represents a rational approach which places function as the primary design goal. Measuring practical function is objective and quantifiable.
Psychological function refers to the emotional attachments and psychological needs that a product meets for the user. It represents a more subjective approach to design and is measured qualifiedly.
Assembling the object
Designing a product to be successfully assembled by the user requires certain features that would be absent from a preassembled product.
Using the object
User’s interaction with the product is often the primary goal.
Repairing or maintaining the object
Some products require regular cleaning, maintenance or repair. For the user to do to this, the design may need to facilitate easy access and replacement of parts.
