Week 1 - What is Good Design to Me?

Product Design

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&Cabinet, Kitty Slim Handy Mirror, 2015 (Specific manufacture date unknown), Korea

Naturally European, Milk Luxury Hand Cream, 2015 (Specific manufacture date unknown), UK

The products above are examples of good design. The "Kitty Slim Handy Mirror" shows how design and function play hand in hand. The cute and attractive graphic of a kitty cat is not the only aesthetically appealing part of this design, but the cat shape also makes this endearing to the audience. Practicality is a key part here; it's slim and small which fits perfectly into a wallet for convenience. The "Milk Luxury Hand Cream" exudes elegance and with the small size it fits easily into a purse.

Architecture

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Richard Mique, Hameau de la Reine (Mill), 1783, Versailles, France

Interpretation of the Gardens by Dutch artist Martin Heemskerck, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, around 600 BC, Babylon  

In architecture we find that "cookie cutter" homes tend to be practical to build, but not necessarily attractive once the whole block is lined up with the exact same house. The "Hameau de la Reine" is quaint and beautiful with the lush greenery surrounding the small Mill. The color and shape is appealing with its staircase leading up to a decorated door. I find that when architecture is coupled with nature, it can be breath-taking and very attractive in design. For instance, the "Hanging Gardens of Babylon," though seemingly a myth, speaks of lush gardens decorating a majesty of a city. This particular interpretation by Martin Heemskerck has appealing geometric shapes that house the organic greenery of the gardens.

Interior Architectural Design

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Yatzer, Dream Loft, Dec. 15, 2011, 

Bagnolet, France

Interior of bedroom, Unknown origin, date, location or designer

I won't lie, but I have a bias for lofts. They have wide open spaces and sometimes unusual interiors which make it a challenge to furnish and decorate, but that's where the beauty lies. In the "Dream Loft," there's a playfulness that makes for wonderful design. The shelves and cabinets all play a part in making this area seem cozy and functional. The industrial metal staircase leads your eye up so the space doesn't seem too claustrophobic. Again, when I am looking for good design I tend to lean toward clever uses of space. The small bedroom would pose a problem in most cases, however, their use of a space gives you everything you need in a bedroom with appealing colors to make it feel cozy.

Clothing

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Kim Min Jeong, Hanbok Lynn, Date unknown, Korea

Jeffery Kurland, Beautiful Creatures Ridley dress design, 2013, US

Good design adapts to the changes and cultures of the present. The designer, Kim Min Jeong, has modernized this cultural wedding dress, but maintained the beautiful lines and cuts of a traditional hanbok. We also see good designs repeated in history, for instance, lace. Lace speaks of elegance with delicate work in each piece. This lace dress by Jeffery Kurland is stunning with it's flattering cut. The lace dress frames the face and the actress's figure to create an appealing piece.

Graphic Design

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Josh Mirman,A Very Wordy Hero, 2010, US

inbrandible, Fish Lovers, Date Unknown, Indonesia

Lastly, we have graphic design. The first piece by Josh Mirman called "A Very Wordy Hero" is wonderful design. He uses negative space to imply shape and uses font of varying colors to create the figure, Mario. He then cleverly uses font to engage the viewer to try and see what the words are saying. In "Fish Lovers," we find that simplicity and clarity is the key. With hearts making up the body of the fish, the message is clear "we love fish!" A beautifully designed logo and brand that can be easily remembered.