Chapter 3 Design Judgment

Good Design is…. The selection and organization of materials and forms to fulfill a particular function. An intrinsically conscious process, the deliberate act of forming materials to fit a certain utilitarian or aesthetic function. The first primitive hunter had to “design” an effective weapon by shaping a stone and twig. He saw a need, considered how to shape and adapt the material and worked out the process of forming the material to achieve a particular goal.

Factors that influence design Function Material Technology Style These four aspects establish the fundamental basis from which to evaluate design quality.

Good Design is Timeless Functionality is a quality that evolves over decades--and sometimes centuries--of continual refinement not an overnight design idea Functionalism has more to do with history, evolution and a timeless way of building than it does with trendy marketing schemes.

Form Follows Function Coined by Louis Sullivan, American Architect, considered the first American modern architect The Tall Office Building Artistically Considered, published in 1896 If an object has to perform a certain function, its design must support that function to the fullest extent possible.

What is Great Design? “Great design is an icon of the time, an expression of sincerity and authenticity. It is a metaphor for an attitude; it communicates a spirit. That's why the chairs that were designed by Charles and Ray Eames still enchant people today.” “Great design has a strong signature, but it never draws attention to itself. If it says that it's "designer," then it's a fraud: the designer lamp, the designer hotel, the designer belt. Great design is always conceptually new -- and it's new forever. You can look at a well-designed object again and again, even if it was designed 50 years ago, and it still resonates with you.” Rolf Fehlbaum Vitra CEO

Classic Design : Form Follows Function

Form NOT following function

Function Rarely do we have an opportunity to develop or create a new design. Most of what we design is actually a redesign or an improvement of a design that already exists. Design Detective Assignment

Materials When judging good design, the material selected for any object must be suitable and appropriate for its intended use. Will the fabric wear well and easily clean on the seating specified in a high traffic waiting area of a doctor’s office. Will the flooring used in the corridor of a hospital be easy to maintain and promote safety for the patients. Will a wood grain laminate substitute for the desk tops used in an office.

Technology The industrial revolution had an enormous impact on the methods by which objects were designed and produced. Before the industrial revolution, craftsmen focused on user needs and how the object was to be used. Today, with the mass production and competition, the focus has shifted to what the public wants…not necessarily their needs. Much of the improvements today were meant to tempt consumers in doing away with the old design and going for the newest, latest and “greatest”. Can you think of any examples?

Style Style is directly related to available materials and technology. Egypt: Nile river and it’s vegetation With technological advances and the creation of new materials such as plastics, we see shifts in styles and aesthetic preferences. Today’s interiors often relate to historical styles, however, today’s interiors reflect new materials and technology that could have never existed prior to the industrial revolution.

Design Judgment There is no single “rule of thumb” for good design or good aesthetic judgment. Over time, exposure to a variety of designs and the study of the design elements and principles, one may begin to develop appreciation, sensitivity and discrimination. Good design expresses a time and place, possesses character appropriate to its use and communicates its purpose and intent clearly.

Training the Eye Visit public buildings, museums, quality furniture stores Tour of homes, showcase homes Media, trade magazines, web sites

Finding a personal style Don’t copy other’s Pare back and live without until you can purchase the right piece Rearrange and rotate…good design doesn’t mean starting with a clean slate Think “need” not “want”. Think function Be creative (not intimidated) to try new ideas Personalize Use good taste, timeless design