Shooting Stars

//Issues: Preconceptions

Whoever said that a star looks like the picture above? It doesn't, in fact all stars are distant suns, so they all look like this picture below:


The only place that the archetypal star shape exists is the Starfish. Which came first the starfish or the star? (in misnomer terms of course)

It doesn't matter that this shape exists as a icon for a star, as it is needed. I do ask, however, if this misplaced relationship between a basic shape and one of the greatest powers in the universe is so easily embedded in our minds without us noticing what else are we missing?

Design for Life

//Issues: Sustainability, consumerism

Why do modern products have such short lifespans?

How can people get a tattoo which will last a lifetime and be happy with it when they feel it neccessary to change their clothes, phones, cars on such a regular basis?

Is it because the tattoo is their own design?

This then leads to the question: would customisation before purchase lengthen of shorten expected lifespan?

Dull through design

//Issues: Generic design, role of designers, boundaries


Why are so many designs so boring nowadays?

That is obviously a sweeping statement using a massive brush to tar everyone. However, it is not without its bitter truth. I noticed this blandness first with big companies - Car companies, electronics companies - companies that are constantly releasing new updates of their products and are not delivering. We can see this with the new Volkswagon Golf or Fiat Punto. Both cars were angular but still sleek and good looking and instantly recognisable. Their newest incarnations have been 'curved' to keep with the new futuristic aesthetic - and what price do they pay? they lose their identity, not only do they now look like each other they look like every other car on the roads.

So what is the problem?

Are all designer being ruled by profit rather than innovation?

Are the designers being ruled by the 'wants' of the public and being scared to push boundaries?
"If I asked my customers what they wanted, they would say a faster horse." Henry Ford

Are designers being too safe?
Or more importantly are they being too lazy?

Safety First

//Issues: Forgotten Design, Perfect Design, Form and Function



The following text is taken directly from an actual poster from a gas plant I have been working at for the past month and seems to be written, in first person, by a safety cone:

10 great things about cones

1. We won't blow over

2. We are easy and convenient to transport - by pallet load, on a forklift or on your handbarrow!

3. We can be used anywhere - large areas, small areas, inside, outside, walkways, corridors. We fit them all

4. Indestructible and maintenance free - once bought we last a lifetime.

5. we are instantly recognisable internationally - no other sign required

6. We come in three convenient sizes

7. We can be stacked tidily in any location where our use is required on a regular basis

8. We can go company-wide, one internationally known no-entry sign

9. We are made from eco-friendly recycled plastic

10. We are easily visible, day-glo and reflective for the darker hours

This raises many issues in my head:

This poster is obvious bias overkill, however, it did make me realise that the safety cone is actually a brilliant piece of design and raised many issues in my head:

• How many other pieces of great design do we overlook every day simply for that reason - we see them every day and begin to think nothing of it?
• Does the menial function of the cone make it a less celebrated piece of design?
• Can the design of the safety cone be bettered? Is this 'PERFECT' design? Or more importantly is there such a thing as 'perfect design'?

Size Does Matter

//Issue: Preconceptions

In the old days there were things called Video Cassettes and these were stored in Video Cases. They were then outdated by DVDs and these were stored in DVD Cases. However, why are DVD cases almost the same size as Video cases when the product is much smaller in comparison?

The reason for this is: CDs come in small, perfectly sized, cases. So, to prevent confusion, DVD cases were made the same size as Video cases to promote their video capabilities.

So:
Is this a mistake - is the design inferior as to pander to the stupidity of the public?

Is it clever - does it give the product a higher status as so the public will pay a premium for the media?

The point that I am ultimately getting at is:
Should designs learn by example or does this preconception confine creativity?

Should every design be concieved from nothing rather that being influenced existing designs or using them as a template to build on?

Would this lead to more originality within our world?