In todays lesson we had to review the first chapter of the novel Laws of Simplicity. We then had to answer the following questions;
What does the acronym SHE mean according to the book?
Shrink Is the removal of unnecessary qualities to make the object simplified. Often making a product lighter or thinner can make the item simple.
Hide By hiding the complicated factors that aren’t necessary for the user to see. For eg. On a computer the user does not need to be aware of how the computer is running and what goes on inside of it.
Embody Combine the Shrink and Hide factors.
In your words define ‘humanist technologist’
To me ‘humanist technologist’ means the development of technology for human beings to greater improve their lifestyle.
How can you apply the notion of reduce to your own design process? (give a specific example)
I can apply this through my design process by focusing solely on what the user needs. Anything additional can be too much design-wise and over complicated. For example in our 3D class we created a bag for CDU students. I chose to use a simple eco friendly bag as they are popular, eco friendly, easy to transport, has an additional adjustable strap and most importantly it is simple making it attractive to the user. The design on the bag is what grabs the attention of the consumer and the simplicity is what attracts them to purchase it.
From what you have read in Chapter 1, explain the relationship between complexity and simplicity (give 3 specific examples from the book OR your own experiences)
Both simplicity and complexity need to go hand in hand in order to make an effective product. Whit too much complexity it is hard for the user to learn all the functions and with too much simplicity it doesn’t keep the human mind stimulated and can make a product boring. For example if we used everything with a push of a button life would be dull.
1. Video games are effective as there is a balance of complexity and simplicity. The controller has functions on it to help the user achieve the aim of the game and challenge the user. The controller is complex in the electronics but simple in the overall pressing of different buttons. The user is stimulated in the different functions but not overwhelmed by the complexity of the electronics.
2. Using a mobile phone is simple in its use of buttons but inside of it is a lot more complex.
3. Watching TV is simple but inside is complex. The viewer is mostly stimulated depending on the program being watched.
In class we did an exercise on the absence of verbal communication, communicating to our partner only through emotion, tone, body language and posture, expressions, etc. This was a hard exercise because of the habit of speaking through specific words, it was quite frustrating at times as my partner was close to guessing but the specific details were hard to bring across.
After the exercise we went on to watch the following clip on IDEO
We then had a group discussion of the list of jobs needed for our end of year exhibition.
We then got into pairs and narrowed down the jobs into 4 groups.
Thon and I formed our groups by balancing out the tasks. I said that personally I wouldn’t want to be put into a group that had no design element so we came to the conclusion that we should spread out the tasks. Below is the lists we came up with.
Group number | |
Group 1 | - Recourses, lighting, equipment, setup, volunteers, advertising. |
Group 2 | - Media, content, presentation, entertainment |
Group 3 | - Navigation, location, weather, transport, branding, tear down. |
Group 4 | - Catering, invites, sausage sizzle, funding, guests, permissions - |
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