//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'?
