Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
MUJI SPICE-LEAF BOOK: A CONCEPT by Dan Nosowitz
The Muji spice-leaf book is an edible book with pages made of soluble spices.
[via http://gizmodo.com/5241827/muji-spice+leaf-book-is-an-edible-book-with-pages-made-of-soluble-spices>Gizmodo]
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Q&A FOR CHARLES EAMES, a transcript
What is your definition of design, mr eames?
One could describe design as a plan for arranging elements to accomplish a particular purpose.
Is design an expression of art?
I would rather say it’s an expression of purpose. It may, if it is good enough, later be judged as art.
Is design a craft for industrial purposes?
No, but design may be a solution to some industrial problems.
What are the boundaries of design?
What are the boundaries of problems?
Is design a discipline that concerns itself with only one part of the environment?
No.
Is it a method of general expression?
No, it is a method of action.
Is design the creation of an individual?
No, because to be realistic, one must always recognize the influence of those that have gone before.
Is design the creation of a group?
Very often.
Is there a design ethic?
There are always design constraints, and these often imply an ethic.
Does design imply the idea of projects that are necessarily useful?
Yes, even though the use might be very subtle.
Is it able to cooperate in the creation of works reserved solely for pleasure?
Who would say that pleasure is not useful?
Ought form to derive from the analysis of function?
The great risk here is that the analysis may be incomplete.
Can the computer substitute for the designer?
Probably, in some special cases. But usually the computer is an aid to the designer.
Does design imply industrial effort?
Not necessarily.
Is design used to modify an old object for new techniques?
This is one kind of design problem.
Is design used to fix up an existing model, so that it is more attractive?
One doesn’t usually think of design in this way.
Is design an element in an industrial policy?
If design constraints imply an ethic, and if industrial policy includes ethical principles, then yes, design is an element in an industrial policy.
Does the creation of design admit constraint?
Design depends largely on constraints.
What constraints?
The sum of all constraints. Here is one of the few effective keys to the design problem: the ability of the designer to recognize as many of the constraints as possible; his willingness and enthusiasm for working within these constraints. Constraints of price, of size, of strength, of balance, of surface, of time, and so forth. Each problem has its own peculiar list.
Does design obey laws?
Aren’t constraints enough?
Are there tendencies in schools in design?
Yes, but these are more a measure of human limitations than of ideals.
Is design ephemeral?
Some needs are ephemeral. Most designs are ephemeral.
Ought design to tend towards ephemeral, or towards permanent?
Those needs and designs that have a more universal quality tend toward relative permanence.
How would you define yourself with respect to a decorator, or an interior architect?
I wouldn’t.
To whom does design address itself – to the greatest number, to the specialist or the enlightened amateur, to a privileged social class?
Design addresses itself to the need.
After having answered all those questions, do you feel you have been able to practice the profession of design under satisfactory condition? Or even optimum condition?
Yes.
Have you been forced to accept compromises?
I don’t remember ever being forced to accept compromises, but I have willingly accepted constraints.
What do you feel is the primary condition for the practice of design and for its propagation?
A recognition of need.
JAPANESE PACKAGING DESIGN
From this book: Japanese Design Collection. [Tokyo : Alpha Books, c2009., ISBN: 9784568503784]
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
MILK CARTON DESIGN by Raw-Edges Design Studio
The amount of fat in the milk is distinguished by form rather than colour! The folds in the back of the package function as a handle for pouring, whilst the 2 folds in front function as the spout. Beautiful, efficient, clever, simple design.
[via The Design Files]
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