Design in Our Lives

            The art of Design is a subjective field in terms of functionality. There are objects that have a high functionality and objects that have a low functionality. An object that has a high functionality would be useful and practical to everyday living. An object that has a low functionality would be aesthetically pleasing, however it wouldn’t be ranked high in terms of necessity.

            An object that has a high functionality would be the “Think Pad 701 Portable Computer.” In the 21^st Century, computers are considered to be an integral part of our everyday lives in America. Most Americans use computers everyday to fulfill their job requirements, school obligations, and it serves as a tool of communication. This specific object has now advanced to meet new technological services, so the functionality increased. Another object that has a high functionality would be the “Radio (Model TS 502).” Radios are also considered important since most Americans listen to radios while driving in their cars everyday. Radios have also advanced as a tool since we can now listen to it via satellite and listen to many more radio stations as opposed to what was available in the past. Technology advances annually so the functionality increases. For example, Apple products have changed the entire field of technological design with current models of new touch screen devices. We can better utilize computers and radios with these new models than what would have been possible even fifteen years ago.

            An object that has a low functionality would be a “Vase.” Although a glass vase may be aesthetically pleasing, some people might not consider it necessary if they don’t want to incorporate the object into the interior design of their home. Another object that has a low functionality would be a “Coffee Service.” Some people might want to add it to their kitchen for aesthetic emphasis, but it wouldn’t be considered necessary. Vases and coffee services are added into homes to complete an interior design motif whether the design is vintage, or classic, or modern. Some people might even consider these objects as junk therefore ranking them as having a low functionality.

            The ergonomics, or functionality of these designs, could be altered. Since technology is continually advancing, the functionality of computers and radios are being used more. It’s the job of the designer to update the ergonomics of these technologies. As for the objects of low functionality, the ergonomics could be changed as well. Vases and coffee services could serve as being multi-functional. Vases could be used as a vessel for a menagerie of different objects such as seashells or pebbles. A coffee service could be used a vessel to hold flowers or other plants.

            For an object to be considered as a “good design,” it will need to have some form of a high functionality. If an object weren’t being utilized, it would be considered as wasteful. Also, if it isn’t being used, then it will be forgotten. The purpose of a design is to have some functionality.

Artworks:

Sam Lucente, Richard Sapper, Robert P. Tennant

“Think Pad 701 Portable Computer”

Plastic casing

1995

Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper

“Radio (Model TS 502)”

ABS and aluminum

1963

Louis Comfort Tiffany

“Vase”

Favrile glass

1900

Paul Haustein

“Coffee Service”

Pewter-silver alloy

1904