Design Thinking: History, Theory, Technology and Practice

Product Design History: Where did the Single Slice Toasters Go?

2012-01-24T11:57:00.004-05:00

I am surprised that single slice toasters are not available. Given limited counter space in smaller kitchens and a sizable single population one would think that option would be in the market.

The Toastmaster
Bachelor/ette Toasters

The Toaster Museum Foundation

Commuter Bike: BMW G 650 GS

2012-01-15T01:31:00.003-05:00

I am thinking about an alternate mode of transportation and the entry level G 650 GS has caught my eye. Designed for the street and can accommodate light trail riding with 66mpg has me looking forward to summer.

How to Get a Product to Market Today

2012-01-10T14:52:00.002-05:00

It just may have never been easier for a Designer to get a great ideal to market than it is today. With the connections afforded by the internet and programs like Kickstarter almost anyone can test out the value of their ideals.

How one company is revolutionizing product development

History: Capital of the 20th Century, Detroit Disassembeled

2012-01-10T10:00:00.005-05:00

"There is no culture — for lack of a better word — no context of public memory and social expectation that would bind together all that the city contains.

What does it add up to, all this abandonment of lives and buildings, neighborhoods and property? It doesn’t seem to add up to anything, other than the decontextualized spectacle itself and the demographic souvenir-hunting opportunities it provides. This city is never coming back; whatever happens next will be without urban precedent because the context of city no longer applies in this place where history has finally run out. And so the reason we come to Detroit — immigrants, tourists, artists, journalists alike — is to engage a fantasy about how we can always walk away from the past, from the now blown promise of an erstwhile prosperity that was once made real for generations of Americans. There’s probably not a better place in this country, maybe in the world, for this kind of work."

- Jerry Herron

More from the Article: The Forgetting Machine

NYTimes Article: Dismantling Detroit

Kayne West Aspires to be the Next Steve Jobs

2012-01-06T17:05:00.004-05:00

Not all creative people are designers - I'm just saying, my hope is that the skilled professionals are used to bring this vision to life.

Other Hip-Hop Moguls have made the leap to creating products. For example, Dr Dre launch a very successful product line of headphones called "the beats" in a partnership with Monster, Inc.

According to postings from West’s Twitter account, he’s been inspired not only by Jobs’ example, but also by current events and the need for change: “We need to take what Michael Jackson felt and McQueen and Steve Jobs and we need [to] make things better… The adrenaline is running… I don’t know if I can even get to sleep now… From Wall Street to the London riots to Chicago murders… I sit everyday and ask what can I do to make a difference… There are so many broken systems from the economy to school systems [to] jail systems… we need experts for this… We need scientist[s] and top world designers to directly affect governments…”

read more

Reworking the Chain Saw

2012-01-06T10:02:00.002-05:00

The Worx JawSaw, makes the chainsaw more approachable for everyday use by enclosing the blade. The design team also added an innovative plunging motion to activate the blades cutting. Though less powerful than the standard chainsaw with the right price point it could be a tool a homeowner would consider.

Auto Design: Aston Martin One -77

2011-12-15T16:29:00.007-05:00

The beauty of a well portioned car is a marvel to gaze upon. The Aston Martin super car has great detailing and portions, as does the latest version of the Camero. Getting the right portions is not easy and so I appauled both these vehicles for providing me with very nice eye candy.

More Photos More Photos

Auto Design:

2011-12-15T16:29:00.001-05:00

Magazine Cover Design

2011-12-15T14:43:00.004-05:00

The graphic designer, Shepard Fairey, who came to national attention with his design of the Obama 2008 campaign poster was tapped to create the Time magazines Person of the Year cover.

Shepard Fairey Designs Time's Person of the Year Cover

An Innovative Disposable Cup

2011-12-09T10:47:00.003-05:00

This is a great idea that the likes of McDonald's and other fast food companies should consider adopting. The all-paper design has a built-in lid with sipping spout and is called, Compleat by its designer Peter Herman.

Fast Company Article

Rapper Reflects of the Eames House

2011-12-08T15:58:00.002-05:00

Pacific Standard Time, a collaborative project launched this past October and including over 60 cultural institutions across Southern California, celebrates the birth of the Los Angeles art scene.

NYTimes Article: Ice Cube on Eames

Eames: The Architect and The Painter

2011-11-22T10:01:00.003-05:00

It's great to see an increasing number of design related films being produced. The result is a number of films available that provide context around the contributions of designers and the issues that have shape the profession.

About the Film

NYTimes Article

A Washington DC Designing Couple Jake and Pum Lefebure

2011-11-08T16:38:00.004-05:00

Its rare for Washington DC to have a design firm that is known beyond its borders.

Design Love Interview

Audio Interview:

Design Army Website

Nest: A Thermostat that's Different?

2011-11-08T10:53:00.004-05:00

The legacy of Steve Jobs will be demonstrated in the work of those who learned from him the value of design as a strategic asset when developing a business and changing an industry one product at a time.

Fast Company Article: After Steve Jobs

Wired Magazine Article: Brave New Thermostat

NYTimes Article: Home Thermostats

Book: Steve Jobs Biography

2011-10-25T16:53:00.004-04:00

The biographer, Walter Issacson, speaks about his insights on Apple's founder and creative genius.

NYTimes Article: The Genius of Jobs

The New Yorker Article: The Tweaker

MLK Memorial on the National Mall

2011-10-25T16:26:00.003-04:00

After years of hard work the King memorial was officially dedicated on October 16, 2011.

iSad: The Passing of Steve Jobs

2011-10-07T10:37:00.009-04:00

NYTimes: Apple’s Visionary Redefined Digital Age

The Six Pillars of Steve's Design Philosophy

"In most people's vocabularies, design means veneer. It's interior decorating. It's the fabric of the curtains and the sofa. But to me, nothing could be further from the meaning of design. Design is the fundamental soul of a man-made creation that ends up expressing itself in successive outer layers of the product or service."

"My position coming back to Apple was that our industry was in a coma. It reminded me of Detroit in the '70s, when American cars were boats on wheels."

-Interview with Fortune Magazine, 2000

"Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice."

"My model for business is The Beatles. They were four guys who kept each other's kind of negative tendencies in check. They balanced each other and the total was greater than the sum of the parts. That's how I see business: great things in business are never done by one person, they're done by a team of people."

Article: Mourning Jobs

What can Designers Learn from Hip-Hop Artist?

2011-10-07T10:18:00.003-04:00

Its hard to glean the impact of culture's impact when your in the mist of living in it. So questioning the influence of Hip-Hop and what it reveals about the state of affairs of the last twenty-five years will be the subject hundreds of books and future documentaries, but one designer has considered the subject in the link below.

Blog Post: What Visual Designers can Learn from Biggie Smalls

A Company to Consider for Design Researchers: GfK

2011-10-05T10:35:00.004-04:00

GfK looks like a very interesting organization that would be stimulating for a Designer/Research person. There physical collection of 100,000 package designs spanning the last thirty years is rich in and of itself.

GfK's Website

Apple's New iPhone Interface: Siri

2011-10-05T10:08:00.003-04:00

Apple revealed the step in smoothing the interaction between humans and computers with it's Suri interface for the iPhone.

Apple's latest contribution grew out of a military research project. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), under its Perceptive Assistant that Learns (PAL) program, has awarded SRI the first two phases of a five-year contract to develop an enduring personalized cognitive assistant.

Original Project Description

Fast Company Magazine Article

QR Codes are Coming

2011-09-26T09:52:00.003-04:00

Quick Response (QR) Codes are replacing the traditional bar code as the method of digitizing scannable information. The smart phone revolution as enabled this technology to reach the hands of consumers so that organizations can quickly share information with smart phone owners.

NYTimes Article

Fast Company Article

The Obama Administration Use Graphics to Tell the Jobs Story

2011-09-22T13:59:00.002-04:00

The White House has released a stunning, but simple slide show that explains the American Jobs Act.

American Jobs Act Address Enhanced Graphics

View more documents from White House

The White House Website

9-11 Memorial Designer: Michael Arad

2011-09-20T14:22:00.002-04:00

It sounds like the 9-11 memorial turned out as a great testament to the people that lost their lives on that faithful day, and to their families and the country.

Michael's individual committment to find a fit tribute is core to the success of the final solution.

Audio Interview with Michael Arad

Exhibition: Talk to Me: Design and the Communication between People and Objects

2011-09-20T11:41:00.003-04:00

Interaction design helps humans relate to the computer systems framing our daily lives more with each passing year. The beauty of the NYC subway vending machines is largely in how easy its design helps users to understand how to work it. But for me it is also in the materials and color coding that is really very attractive.

MoMA Exhibition

Fast Company Article: Why-does-interaction-design-matter-lets-look-at-the-evolving-subway-experience

Review of the exhibition, Talk to Me

Dyson Designs a Heater

2011-09-15T16:43:00.003-04:00

Dyson continues of expand its product offering with technological advances being applied to common household products.

How the Dyson Hot Works from Core77 on Vimeo.

Fast Company Magazine: Design Issue

2011-09-15T15:53:00.004-04:00

This annual issue on Design captures the moves in the field and things to look out for in the changing face of design.

Fast Company October 2011

Article: The United States of Design

Rewriting the Rules of the New Economy?

2011-09-15T10:37:00.004-04:00

Steve Stoute the founder of Transitional Advertising as authored a new book about the impact of hip-hop culture on the global marketplace, titled the Tanning of America.

Steve Stoute Interview

The Aging Designer, Do They Get Better?

2011-09-12T12:25:00.003-04:00

Steve Heller,the co-chair of the MFA Design program at the School of Visual Arts and co-founder of the MFA Design Criticism program, reflects on the number of older designers who are practicing far beyond the age of retirement.

Let the 80s Roll: In the Design World, Octogenarians Rule - The Atlantic"

Steve Jobs: An American Icon

2011-08-26T14:58:00.004-04:00

The discussions of Steve Jobs impact on our lives has only just begun with the announcement this week of his resignation as CEO of Apple, Inc. Much like Henry Ford a century before, Jobs has create an American story that will continue to reshape industries far into the future.

Fast Company: What makes Steve Jobs So Great?

Steve's Bold Leadership

The video below summarizes Steve Jobs career at Apple in two minutes.

History: The Development of IDEO's Logo

2011-08-26T14:47:00.003-04:00

IDEO has made a name for itself as the leading product development consultancy in the world. The companies original logo designed by the godfather of commercial graphic design, Paul Rand.

Link to IDEO Logo History

Good Design and a Smart Gift for Kids and Adults Alike

2011-08-11T16:18:00.002-04:00

Sifteo Cubes have arrived! Long hyped as the most exciting new development in table-top entertainment, the cubes -- part Lego, part video game, part board game -- started shipping to American and Canadian customers today.The cubes are 1.5-inch, motion-aware blocks with full-color screens that wirelessly connect to a computer and can be shaken, tilted, rotated, and clicked to play a vast array of games.

www.sifteo.com

2011-08-10T16:03:00.003-04:00

In the latest installment of their "Off Book" series, PBS explores the power of type with some of its most talented practitioners.

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A Short Video on Type

2011-08-10T16:03:00.002-04:00

In the latest installment of their "Off Book" series, PBS explores the power of type with some of its most talented practitioners.

PBS Off the Book Series Website

Visualizing Data: What Does it Mean?

2011-08-05T14:27:00.003-04:00

A book by Nathan Yau who writes for FlowingData, Visualize This is a practical guide on visualization and how to approach real-world data.

FlowingData Website

A Leader in Fashion Design: Natalia Allen

2011-08-04T11:35:00.002-04:00

She share her story in the video below. Natalia proves a powerful argument for the role of a designer in creating sustainable products.

Design Futurist Website

Designing a Better Tea Experience

2011-07-13T14:56:00.007-04:00

The second most consumed beverage behind water is tea, its preparation is now being considered and products designed in support the ritual.

Tea Time: A Conversation on Tea (NPR)

Kicker Studio:Kicker Tea Project

The Breville One-Touch Electric Tea Maker is unique in simplifying the tea making process and is currently on the market.

Chris Conley Speaks on Design Thinking

2011-07-11T23:22:00.003-04:00

Chris a favorite professor of mine when we were both at the Institute of Design shares his thoughts on design in the video below.

Stamp: Pioneers of Industrial Design

2011-06-29T15:07:00.003-04:00

The USPS includes the following background information on the profession and those honored on the stamp.

"Industrial design is the study and creation of products whose appearance, function, and construction have been optimized for human use. It emerged as a profession in the U.S. in the 1920s but really took hold during the Depression. Faced with decreasing sales, manufacturers turned to industrial designers to give their products a modern look that would appeal to consumers. Characterized by horizontal lines and rounded, wind-resistant shapes, the new, streamlined looks differed completely from the decorative extravagance of the 1920s. They evoked a sense of speed and efficiency and projected the image of progress and affluence the public desired.

Consumer interest in modern design continued to increase after World War II, when machines allowed corporations to mass produce vacuums, hair dryers, toasters, and other consumer goods at low cost. Industrial designers helped lower costs further by exploiting inexpensive new materials like plastic, vinyl, chrome, aluminum, and plywood, which responded well to advances in manufacturing such as the use of molds and stamping. Affordable prices and growing prosperity nationwide helped drive popular demand.

Even as streamlining gave way to new looks in the 1960s, the groundbreaking work of industrial designers continued to transform the look of homes and offices across the country. Today, industrial design remains an integral component of American manufacturing and business, as well as daily life.

Frederick Hurten Rhead
Frederick Hurten Rhead helped pioneer the design of mass-produced ceramic tableware for the home. He is best remembered for the sleek Fiesta® line (shown on the stamp) introduced by The Homer Laughlin China Company in 1936.

Walter Dorwin Teague
Known as the “dean of industrial design,” Walter Dorwin Teague believed that good artistic design fit both form and function into a single aesthetic package. During his career-long collaboration with Eastman Kodak Company, he designed several popular cameras, including the 1934 “Baby Brownie” (shown on the stamp).

Norman Bel Geddes
A founding member of the American Society of Industrial Designers, Norman Bel Geddes was a noted champion of streamlining. “Speed is the cry of our era,” he once said, “and greater speed one of the goals of tomorrow.” The author of highly influential books on design and urban planning, Bel Geddes created visionary new looks for cars, trains, planes, buildings, even entire cities.

Raymond Loewy
Raymond Loewy arguably did more to define the look of modern America than perhaps any other industrial designer. Loewy created the distinctive look of Air Force One and worked with NASA on the interiors of America’s first space station, Skylab. In 1971, he created the logo for the newly formed U.S. Postal Service, and his designs have appeared on several postage stamps.

Donald Deskey
Donald Deskey is best known for the lavish Art Deco interiors he designed in 1932 for Radio City Music Hall in New York City. However, he was also one of America’s most innovative industrial designers. A founding member of the American Society of Industrial Designers, Deskey was instrumental in winning public acceptance for modern design.

Gilbert Rohde
Gilbert Rohde was one of the most influential and innovative furniture designers in the U.S. His designs for Herman Miller in the 1930s and 1940s were based on simplicity and practicality and marked the beginning of modern design at the company.

Greta von Nessen
Greta von Nessen specialized solely in lighting, and none of her designs is better known than the “Anywhere” lamp (shown on the stamp). Introduced in 1951, the lamp featured a tubular aluminum base and an adjustable shade made of enameled metal. This and several other of von Nessen’s lamps have been featured in industrial design exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art.

Russel Wright
Specializing in household products, Russel Wright revolutionized the way we live at home. He designed at a time when growing numbers of Americans were shedding the prim conventions of the early 20th century in favor of simple and informal practicality. During his career, Wright created affordable modern furniture and tableware characterized by minimal but elegant forms.

Henry Dreyfuss
Considered by many to be the first designer to apply ergonomics systematically to product design, Henry Dreyfuss considered the user to be the center and focus of his industrial design work. During a career that lasted more than 40 years, he designed products that touched all corners of American life, from household appliances like clocks, sewing machines, and vacuum cleaners to tractors and even the comfortable interiors of trains and planes.

Peter Müller-Munk
Peter Müller-Munk is best remembered for the “Normandie” pitcher featured on the stamp. Introduced by the Revere Copper and Brass Company in 1935, the mass-produced pitcher was made of chromium-plated brass, an alternative to silverware that was affordable and easier to care for.

Dave Chapman
Honored by the Industrial Designers Society of America for his “vigorous sponsorship and backing of design research and high standards of industrial design education,” Dave Chapman is probably most known for his innovative and award-winning designs for classroom furniture. He also designed household appliances like refrigerators, hairdryers, radios, and electric heaters. Shown at the first exhibition of the American Society of Industrial Designers in 1947, Chapman’s streamlined sewing machines (shown on the stamp) featured a chrome grille that evoked the sleek look of contemporary automobiles.

Eliot Noyes
Eliot Noyes bridged the gap between business and art, transforming the industrial design profession into more than just a commercial venture. Rather than continue the practice of changing a product’s design every year, Noyes persuaded his corporate clients to adopt long-lasting design principles instead. He is best remembered for his long working relationship with IBM, for whom he designed buildings, interiors, and a range of office equipment, like the iconic 1961 “Selectric” typewriter pictured on the stamp. He also helped IBM and other companies develop a distinct and consistent identity.

Art director Derry Noyes selected objects designed by 12 of the nation’s most important and influential industrial designers to feature on this colorful pane of self-adhesive stamps. The selvage features a photograph of the “Airflow” fan designed by Robert Heller around 1937. Denis Farley photographed the fan for The Macdonald Stewart Foundation.

Each stamp includes the designer’s name, the type of object, and the year or years when the object was created. The pane’s verso includes a brief introduction to the history and importance of American industrial design, as well as text that identifies each object and briefly tells something about each designer."

An iPad App for Type Design 101

2011-06-22T17:02:00.005-04:00

Dong Yoon Park has produced a great tool for learning the basics of type design.

Typographic Insight - New ways of learning & teaching typefaces

The Power of Prototyping

2011-06-13T18:44:00.004-04:00

One of the keys to the process of designing is modeling the idea. This can take a variety of shapes, but the idea is find a way to stimulate and test the idea. This will result in many discoveries (failures) before the final solution is identified.

Article: Rapid Prototyping: The Wright Way to Fail

Also check out Method's series on innovation, 10x10, from which this article is taken.

Method's "Innovation: Wrapped, Packed and Stacked"

Howest University College, (5-day hands-on prototyping course)

Rethinking Product Design Education

2011-06-13T18:32:00.003-04:00

In 2012 the first class of the School of Visual Arts MFA in Products of Design will begin a discovery of how to best teach a product design program in the changing landscape.

"I’ve come to believe that designing the process that creates the product is way more important than the object itself."

Interview with Allan Chochinov

Steve Jobs Presents Plans for Apple's New HQs

2011-06-09T08:23:00.002-04:00

Steve Jobs does a great job presenting the concept for a new Apple headquarters before the Cupertino's city council.

Below he describes the building itself.

A New Way to View the Food Pyramid

2011-06-02T13:51:00.003-04:00

This new graphic clarifies Michelle Obama's effort to encourage healthy eating habits for Americans.

Choose MyPlate.gov

NYTimes Article

The plate is a great metaphor from which to base the discussion of food. It also makes the message of portion size and relationships between food groups so much clearer.

Grapic Designer: Michael Bierut

2011-05-27T14:40:00.002-04:00

Michel describes the development of his interest in design and highlights of his career during his presentation before a D. Crit School audience.

Michael Bierut, “Designing, Writing, Teaching: Not My Real Job”.

Design History: Dieter Rams, The Father of Modern Consumer Product Aesthetics

2011-05-26T16:01:00.002-04:00

Dieter Rams prefers being described as an architect, because of the over use of the term designer/design that has lessen the value of the word in his opinion.

Article and More Interview Videos

Furniture Design: Clear Concept

2011-05-17T14:18:00.002-04:00

Few furniture items could serve the new nursery better than this cool dresser. The graphical elements speak to the developing mind of a child learning to store their essentials.

Training Dresser

Fashion News: Olivier Rousteing

2011-05-17T14:04:00.003-04:00

Wow! a black (mixed-raced) man heading a fashion house in Europe I wish him the best. With a number of talented fashion types trashing and burning in the high pressured world of fashion I hope Mr. Rousteing is prepared for the riggers of the industry.

"Just two weeks ago, the 25-year-old Olivier Rousteing was one of the legions of nameless, faceless designers, patternmakers and stylists toiling behind-the-scenes at a fashion company. Now, he heads one of the most storied, influential luxury labels in Paris, Balmain, and will debut his first, hotly anticipated collection for the house this fall." - Forbes

Forbes Article: Name You Need to Know

Daily Beast Article: Balmain's Olivier Rusteing

2011 Solar Decalthon Empower House

2011-05-11T14:28:00.004-04:00

The collaborative approach and life after the competition is the basis of a strong conceptual approach to Parson and Stevens Institute solution. All the models will be on the national mall in late September.

Department of Energy/Solar Decathlon Website

Newletter:Building Positive

NYC Taxi of Tomorrow

2011-05-10T10:29:00.003-04:00

New York City announced the winner of its Taxi of Tomorrow competition. I must say its about time that to Ford Crown Victoria is retired as a taxi. Hopefully, other city's will follow New York's lead.

NYC Taxi of Tomorrow Website

Video of New NYC Taxi

Fashion Design: Alexander McQueen a Master at His Craft

2011-05-06T09:51:00.005-04:00

It was only after his death in 2010 that many outside of the fashion world including myself began to hear of the influence and talent of Alexander McQueen.

The power of his skills are now being celebrated at a Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition and more recently at the annual fashion gala at the Costume Institute. From what I have been able to understand, McQueen was both a skilled craftsmen, designer and performance artist, a very rare feat to master.

Exhibition Review

The New Yorker Magazine Review

NYTimes Review

More photos

Now is the Time for Electric Mobility

2011-05-04T23:35:00.010-04:00

Now that electric car are being produced for the mass market and a gallon of gas is fast approaching $5 a gallon, the tipping point for all things mobile is moving to electric power.

From bikes to motor cycles more products are being made for the plug-in and go crowd.

Brammo Electric Dirt Bikes

NYTimes Article: Electric Car Proved Useful after the Disaster

Article: How is the transition to electric cars going?

Wired Article: Electric Superbike

Marc Newson Thinks Design is Easy

2011-05-04T06:59:00.003-04:00

In the attached article one of this generations most successful product designers explains how he experiences design.

His latest creation is the RFID luggage tag. So if you would like to track your luggage now you can.

WSJ Article

Super Light Athletic Shoes from Addias

2011-04-15T15:43:00.003-04:00

The design team at Addias kick started the design of their super light weight basketball shoe not with sketches but prototypes, using scissors glue and strips of material as the starting point.

Article: Fast Company

Article: Wired Magazine

Video: The Making of the Eames Lounge Chair

2011-03-28T17:25:00.002-04:00

The quality of the craftsmanship is as beautiful as the chair itself.

Article: Design Gets More Diverse

2011-03-23T11:35:00.003-04:00

"Economically, design was defined by standardization, and the need to exploit economies of scale by making huge quantities of the same things.

Design is becoming more eclectic, but surprisingly slowly in some respects. Digital technology has eroded the economic benefits of standardization. And design increasingly reflects the cultural diversity both of its established Western markets and expanding ones in Asia, Africa and Latin America, where a new generation of designers is emerging. Those designers are defining their own approaches, which are influencing their peers elsewhere.

Designers of color are benefiting from these changes, not least because design is largely a meritocratic profession. It is tough for everyone, especially at the top. No designer secures a sought-after job like Mr. Boateng’s, or coveted international commissions like Mr. Burks’s, without talent, courage, charisma and determination, but they do tend to be judged on performance.

“Of course some inequality still exists, but I’ve never personally felt discriminated against,” Mr. Burks said. “I would hope that the color of my skin doesn’t change the way people see my work, or in any way change the voice or impact my work can have.”

“I really haven’t encountered any problems,” Ms. Anderson added. “When I worked at The Boston Globe way back, someone at the front door asked if I was a messenger. I thought: ‘Are you kidding?’ Every person of color has ridiculous stories like that. But I don’t think the creative industries focus on the color issue as much as others may. It’s all about talent and your ability to communicate effectively.”"

NYTimes Article by Alice Rawsthorn

Type Designer: Erik Spiekermann

2011-03-22T17:12:00.002-04:00

Type is about rhythm and space according to Erik Spiekermann.

Automobile Designer: Ralph Giles

2011-03-22T10:02:00.003-04:00

Ralph Giles is leading the pack of the new generation of car designers. Focusing on the needs and desires of the end user, understanding business strategy and maintaining an aesthetic sensibility is the quality of this generations design leaders.

Designer: Eddie Opara

2011-03-04T16:59:00.002-05:00

Wow! The newest partner of the most prestigious design firm in the world is also its youngest and he happens to be black.

Audio interview

Designer of the Apple Logo

2011-03-01T09:41:00.002-05:00

Rob Janoff has the distinction of having designed the logo of arguably the most successful technology company of this generation, Apple Inc..

Interview with Rob Janoff

Social Media's Challenge

2011-02-25T15:20:00.002-05:00

Social media has lowered transaction and collaboration costs and enhanced people's capability to collaborate. Hierarchical leadership models are becoming more and more outdated, stalled and failing. The Industrial Age and its institutions have run out of gas. In short, Tapscott says, we are facing nothing less than a turning point in human history, and this creates friction, of course. The huge challenge for us now is to shape this emerging open network paradigm which, to many in charge, seems to lack structure and organization. There is no easy answer in how our societies and businesses can deal with the challenge of rebuilding themselves along this new model of networked intelligence. We do know the principles though -- collaboration, openness, sharing, interdependence and integrity, and you may want to see the presentation or read Tapscott's new book Macrowikinomics: Rebooting Business and the World to understand how these principles are currently starting to be applied in business and government. -core77

Design Knowledge Online Community: Design Boost

2011-02-11T10:58:00.002-05:00

Design Boost Website

Fifty Famous Designers and the Books That Inspire Them

2011-02-02T16:30:00.003-05:00

Designers and Their Books

Toy Design: Hot Wheel Video Car

2011-01-24T18:41:00.005-05:00

Toy cars provided me hours of enjoyment as a child. Hot Wheel's new car that video records and plays back the car's environment as it races down the track is "way cool" and promises to add value to the experience.

Where is Hip Hop Cover Art Going?

2011-01-12T14:52:00.002-05:00

Does the latest Kayne West/ Jay-Z collaboration mark a shift in the aesthetic direction of the genre.

Both artist have been consciously pushing the art form to a new levels of respectability and acceptance with much critical acclaim.

The cover art of H.A.M. was created by the Italian born designer Riccardo Tischi as was Kayne's most recent CD's cover, Dark Twisted Fantasy.

Design's Strategic Advantage Applied Results in Apple's Rise

2011-01-05T12:21:00.002-05:00

Apple has achieve a milestone by surpassing MicroSoft to become the most value technology company in the world. Now with a market valuation of over $300 billion Apple is now the most valuable company in the world being second to Exxon Oil.

What is Design?

2011-01-04T15:42:00.002-05:00

Charles Harrison tackles the question, what is design? during an interview on the Smithsonian Spotlight series. Design is a thought process, not necessarily a product or a picture...

Postage Stamp: American Industrail Design

2011-01-03T17:01:00.002-05:00

A limited edition postage stamp will be available this summer commerating the golden age (30's - 50's)of product design.

USPS 2011 Stamp Releases Link

Book: Designing Media

2010-12-21T16:58:00.005-05:00

Where is the internet taking media? This question is considered in the many interviews that makes up the substance of Bill Moggridge's latest book.

Review of the book

The Video Interviews

Article: ...Can Designers Save the Newspaper

The Challenge of the New - Once Upon a Time There Came Along the Book

2010-12-21T10:02:00.002-05:00

Embracing a new technology is a challenge for many of us, but a good coach, a well design product and an open mind can make it a little easier.

Product Design: Electric Snow Blower for Urban Dwellers

2010-12-19T19:50:00.010-05:00

It was nice to discover that a great new product has reached the market that is affordable, well designed and a durable snow blower before any significant snow has fallen.

This electric snow blower is idea for snow fall greater than 2", and its 12" wide mouth can quickly clear my and the neighbors walk way with minimum physical effort. It compact size and electric (clean energy) motor allows ease storage.

The only comparable product I found was by Toro, but it was more expensive and its construction appears less durable.

Amazon Link

Medical Device: Mobi Legs

2010-12-17T10:49:00.004-05:00

Few things inspire a designer more than being forced to use a poorly design object. This seems to be the case with the redesign of the crutch, called Mobilegs.

After product designer Jeff Weber broke his heel placning him for several weeks on crutches he had time to consider the flaws of the object and to propose a thoughtful solution.

Mobilegs Website

Beautiful Architecture: IAC Building by Frank Gehry

2010-12-14T15:31:00.003-05:00

On a recent trip to NYC I was struck by the attractiveness of the first NYC building design by Frank Gehry. Its glass facade changes color and opacity as it responses to its external environment.

IAC Building Website

Design Classics comes to the iPad

2010-12-14T11:28:00.003-05:00

The content of the three volume design conpendium "Design Classics" has come to the iPad which allows more flexibility to accessing to the wealth of design content.

IDSA's Design of the Decade Awards

2010-12-14T10:19:00.003-05:00

The Industrial Designers Society of America has announced its selections of designed products that have best demonstrated the professions influence at adding value at the nexus of culture and business.

Designs of the Decade Winners

Digital Artist /Graphic Designer: Justin Van Genderen

2010-12-09T00:19:00.002-05:00

This Chicago based designer is producing note worthy work.

Website: 2046 Design

LA Weekly Interview

Design Education: Where Do We Go from Here?

2010-12-02T17:10:00.007-05:00

AIGA's Design Educators conference explored how design education should change to better equip students to be functional design professionals in the 21st century.

AIGA Conference Website

The Design Observers Group Reflection on the Coference

Design History: Who is Eliot Noyes?

2010-11-22T10:03:00.009-05:00

A pioneering advocate for design in 20th century corporate behemoths like IBM, Mobil Oil, Westinghouse and Cummins Engine Company.

An architect,designer and businessman Noyes worked for Gropius and Breuer, served as MoMA’s first director of industrial design, led Eliot Noyes and Associates, and lived his prescription that “Design is a means by which you see yourself and a means by which you express yourself to others.”

As the first industrial curator at MOMA, his design competition introduced the world to Charles Eames, Saarinen and other budding design talents.

Book Review

Beauty and Function: The Mark Albrecht Desk

2010-11-18T23:25:00.004-05:00

This is a strikingly beautiful piece of furniture. The clean lines, durable construction and rich materials (leather desktop) makes this an object of desire, at least for me.

More Images

The Story of Eames Furniture

2010-11-18T17:02:00.004-05:00

The authors of the latest book on the Eames LA office discuss in the video how the organization came to be and their first hand knowledge of the people and workings of the group.

Source:Gestalten.tv

The Book: The Story of Eames Furniture

Product Design/ New Business Model: Tik Tok

2010-11-18T12:31:00.004-05:00

This is cool as a product extension, but also as a innovative business model. Apple's Nano music player is creatively integrated into to a wrist band thus extending its use as a multi-touch watch.

The Chicago based product design firm MINIMAL has developed a plan for financing the production of this idea to the public. So if you wanted to be a venture capitalist here is an opportunity to seeded a new idea.

Funding Options

MINIMAL's Website

NYTIMES Article: An iPod Watch Project Explodes Online

Product: Nail Clipper

2010-11-17T16:39:00.003-05:00

The graphics and name hold the concept and function of this product together as a whole.

A great gift for the season.

The Klhip Website

Typographer: Michael Bierut

2010-11-17T12:16:00.003-05:00

Michael Bierut was featured prominently in the film Helvetica sharing his knowledge of graphic design history and adding context to the discussion.

Short Film on the Production of Linen (French)

2010-11-12T14:12:00.002-05:00

I am really like the use of the documentary film format as a tool to inform and educate. Here is another example of story telling done really nicely. The appropriateness of the music and poetic quality of the french language enhances the qualify of the presentation.

BE LINEN MOVIE from Benoit MILLOT on Vimeo.

The FDA: Proposes the Redesign of Cigarette Packaging

2010-11-10T16:59:00.005-05:00

The FDA is proposing the addition of very graphic images covering half of cigarette packaging to better inform and persuade users of the dangers of smoking.

Their are some that would argue that this move will have no image on those who smoke. I personally think the gross images covering 50% of the product packaging will eventually have an influence on how those using the product will view it. Specially for those who have long stopped seeing the written warnings that have been on the packaging for decades.

FDA Proposals

Design Writer: Ralph Caplin Audio Interview

2010-11-10T10:24:00.005-05:00

One of the first books I read on design was Ralph Caplin's book - "By Design: Why There Are No Locks on the Bathroom Doors in the Hotel Louis XIV and Other Object Lessons".

Design Observer's audio interview with Ralph Caplin

Stephen Doyle: 2010 Communication Design Award Winner

2010-11-03T11:32:00.002-04:00

Architecture: Living with Mies

2010-10-18T23:39:00.001-04:00

Lafayette Park, an residential area near the downtown in Detroit Michigan is the home of a community of Mie's designed townhouses.

The audio tips from the owners and photos of their spaces reveals a diversity of styles fitted into within a common floor plan.

NYTimes Article: Living with Mies

Grading Car Designers

2010-10-12T15:49:00.004-04:00

It is surprising to admit that auto designs coming out of GM are looking good of late. I guess after so many years of disappointing design decisions its that much harder to believe that they have gotten serious about building a products that can compete with the best of the foreign brands.

It is surprising to agree that auto designs coming out of GM are looking good of late. The sharp angled aesthetic that defines the Cadillac brand, or the attractive well portion musculer stance of the Camero or the pleasing though conservative appearance of the Volt, GM's electric car, is all pretty impressive.

Car & Driver Magazine Grades Car Designers

Article: GM Makes Big Stides in Reliability

Design Pioneer:Type Designer - Matthew Carter

2010-10-11T00:24:00.003-04:00

I was first introduced to Mr. Carter's work in the documentary of the famous type HELVETICA.

In his words: “There aren’t a great many people around the world who do what I do…like any industrial designer, what I produce has to work. There is a sort of struggle within the straitjacket of conforming to the conventions of the alphabet and yet not letting yourself get too depressed by these constraints and learning to express some small part of yourself within them.”

Mr. Carter's Bio

The Desk: Considering the Personal Work Spaces of Creative People

2010-10-10T23:45:00.004-04:00

I will need to reflect on what my office desk and my home office desk say about the way I work in each space. A quick analysis would note that my work desk is void of personality where in contrast my desk at home is surrounded by personally inspirational stuff.

Design Observer Article: Massimo Vignelli's Desk

From Imaginary Forces, a short documentary about the desks of creative people.

The Gap's New Logo

2010-10-08T16:20:00.007-04:00

The retail giant's new logo seems to have missed leveraging any visual ques or reference to what the company is or what the word gap implies. The old logo's extended letters and defining blue box was distinctive in a way the new logo fails to capture.

I will say the new logo is clean and cute with its use a san sief type(type without the little extensions or feet) and the use of a lower case 'a' and 'p' communicates simple and basic, which does fit what I about the company. I'm not sure if the floating blue box really serves any purpose other than a slight reference to what existed before.
The Gap Scraps its New Logo

Emily Pilloton: TED Speech/ IDSA Webinar

2010-10-05T11:14:00.005-04:00

This talented, young, fresh face of design speaks on her views and projects.

IDSA Link to the Webinar

Fast Company Magazine: 2010 Masters of Design

2010-09-24T12:42:00.000-04:00

Who are the up and coming design super stars? Fast Company each year considers who are those doing significant work in design and showcases them.

2010 MOD List

Walter Hood a landscape architect is speaking this weekend at the University of Michigan's, Future of Technology conference, so if you not able to attend the presentation will be posted online (see the early blog entry dated 9/16 on the conference).

Super WiFi and the Things to Come

2010-09-24T09:22:00.003-04:00

The Federal Communications Commission has agreee to open new unused airwave for wireless broadband networks. The prediction is that this move will spur the development of new wireless device within the next twelve months.

This is an example of how government policy can be used to stimulate innovation and economic growth.

Huffington Post Article

FCC: Future of Media

Design Philosopher: Leonard Koren

2010-09-23T23:42:00.003-04:00

Leonard Koren, a trained architect who is better known for his writings which are reflections on the subtile things of life.

Leonard Koren Website

NYTimes Article

National Design Week Oct 9 - 17th - Cooper Hewitt

2010-09-22T17:37:00.004-04:00

Over the past decade Design has become part of the national conversation. The Smithsonian institution brings with it a legitimizing authority that says Design has a value in American culture.

The organization's new leadership has demonstrated that it is in support of enhancing the nation's knowledge of design's history and place is American life through its programs.

National Design Awards 2010

Video: The Future of the Book by IDEO

2010-09-22T17:10:00.002-04:00

The changes in the print industry is visualized in the video below showing even more convergence of media tools than is currently available, but around the corner.

The Future of Design Conference Presentions 2009

2010-09-16T10:40:00.003-04:00

The aspiration of most designers had been focused on big corporate high end projects, I've noticed a shift in the generation of young designers of who see opportunity in serving the low end, every day kinda problem opportunities.

Conference and Other Video Presentations

The Future of Technology Conference 2010

Video Interview: Marc Newson

2010-09-15T12:05:00.000-04:00

In this new series Morning T by New York Times the subject of fashion as a design discipline is touched on. It sounds as though Marc does not see fashion designers as fitting within the same category with other design professionals.

Video Interview

Winner of 2010 Solar Decathlon Europe: Virginia Tech's Lumenhaus

2010-09-10T10:16:00.004-04:00

The home of the future is here now, Virginia Techs winning entry into the Europes solar decathlon competition incorporate energy reducing technologies that are available to most home owners.

Lumenhaus Experience

NYTimes Article: This New House

Interactive/ Audio