After studying for three years at Emily Carr, the more design practices we completed, the more questions we have. Who we are as designers? And what is the purpose behind our designs? Nowadays, with the availability of several technologies and resources, designers are able to create and make many products that impact everyday life in a profound way. However, a designer is not only a creator, but someone who provides an intimate bridge between humans and artefacts. For example, to bring people closer, smart phones were invented; to learn more about nature, mountain-climbing equipment was produced. And in order for us to settle in different spaces, diverse buildings were constructed. Every product that we have as created by designers; there is an intimate link between the designer and his product, which is an integral part of the final outcome.
“Eventually everything connects — people, ideas, objects...the quality of the connections is the key to quality per se.” - Charles Eames
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| “Designing a product is designing a relationship.” ― Steve Rogers |
A good relationship is based on getting to know and interact with each
other.
Designers can make products that help people become
socialized, get closer to nature, and interact with their space and
environment. It is all about creating a relationship between humans and
artefacts.
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“there's nothing more intimate in life than simply being understood. And understanding someone else.” ― Brad Meltzer
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Relationship is about understanding. When you know each other deeply, your
relationship will inevitably become intimate.
A designer can function as a medium between people and artefacts, helping to create intimacy. If a product is understood and valued, the relationship between the user and the product will last longer.
A designer can function as a medium between people and artefacts, helping to create intimacy. If a product is understood and valued, the relationship between the user and the product will last longer.
Human V.S Human
This set of ponchos made for couples which I created.
The idea was to create an intimate space for two to enjoy a moment
with each other.
This product connects people together; without holding any
“technologies” in your hands, you focus instead on an intimate time with your
partner.
Human V.S Nature
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Eco-Mindshift: Natalie Jeremijenko - NoPark.
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The New York no-parking space in this picture has been re-purposed by artist Natalie Jeremijenko into a "NoPark," a mini-public green space in the middle of the city. Most of the concrete in the space has been ripped up and planted with low growth mosses and grasses. According to the artist, "These micro engineered green spaces prevent storm water run off, use foliage to stabilize the soil, and to provide a durable low maintenance surface cover…noPARKs recharge and replenish soil moisture on the block important to trees— even yards away— to help them dilute the gallons of uric acid poured on city trees plots each day by friendly neighborhood dogs."
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Britta Riley: A Garden in My Apartment.
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Window farms, the indoor food-growing vertical hydroponic platforms, are a system for growing plants in discarded plastic bottles.
With the experiences of growing your own food on windowsills, you are closer to nature instead of just looking out at a landscape of buildings.
Human V.S Space
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A New Pedestrian Space in Time Square.
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This image is the final design for Time Square. It will create a level surface, sidewalk to sidewalk, and beautiful pavers that have studs in them to reflect the light from the billboards.
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After some surveys about how the streets were used, Janeet Sadik-Khan, transportation commissioner of New York, and her team found that "New York City was largely a city without seats". Therefore,they closed Broadway from 42nd Street to 47th Street and created two and a half acres of new pedestrian space with lawn chairs for people to sit. The results were great. Pedestrain injuries down 35%; travel times improved up to 17%; five new flagship stores opened; and retail rents doubled.
TED Talks
- Natalie Jeremijenko: The Art of the Eco-Mindshif
https://www.ted.com/talks/britta_riley_a_garden_in_my_apartment/transcript#t-338202
- Britta Riley: A Gargen in My Apartment
https://www.ted.com/talks/natalie_jeremijenko_the_art_of_the_eco_mindshift
- Janette Sadik-Khan: New York's Streets? Not so Mean Any More
https://www.ted.com/talks/janette_sadik_khan_new_york_s_streets_not_so_mean_any_more/transcript#t-557179
