Saturday, July 31, 2010

Task 1: Shape of a Scent

On the first week of Design Studio 1 we were put into groups and given a scent to interpret eventually into sculpted plasticine ‘bottle’. The scent my group was given was overall strong, at first I smelt floral scent similar to jasmine but then there it contained a musky and vanilla scent. As a group we brainstormed on our opinions of what the scent’s colour, shape, line and texture would be like in order to help us transform it into the sculpture. My plasticine ‘bottle’ focused on the layering of the many odours within the one perfume. The curvaceous floral shape of the plasticine represented my initial response but as you look on there are layers representing the other levels that were within the perfume.




Video Reflection- "Human Centered Design"

I believe that David Kelley’s video ‘Human Centered Design’ contained some insightful thoughts into the way human activity has been able to inspire a whole different approach to the design process undertaken by industrial designers. As Kelley reflected over time, back to the mid 1980’s where he suggested that many Industrial designers from that time heavily focused on just on the products being produced as opposed to displaying and investigating the relationship formed between “man and machine”. This was contrasted against examples of the latest exciting products such as from the PRADA store in New York where custom technology has been applied in order to enhance the retail experience of their customers. RF tags have been attached to every item in the store that allow scanners to display information about the item selected including available sizes and colours also suggestions how it may be worn. I see this as a clever idea to attract the attention of the public by putting their shopping experience above their other competitors. The products are created through thinking outside of the box allowing the ideas and the products to become fresh and innovative. The technology benefits not only the needs of the consumer but also the workers as they gain a greater understanding of their clients needs.

From viewing this video I have learnt the importance of allowing human personality and behaviour to become a major part of the process of product design. The innovative new approach of products has and always will amaze me; inspiring me to create and think in the same mind frame when brainstorming ideas. The human relationship concerned with the product has demonstrated the thorough research and amount of time devoted into the creation of a new product. Kelley’s video has provided me with a clearer understanding on the where the field of Industrial design is heading and the extreme variety of unique new ideas that are being changed into products.

It is of high importance that industrial designers are able to acknowledge a wide range of videos, other new sources of technology to expand our knowledge and also to become aware of the product design occurring throughout the world although not just of the modern day but also what is expected from the future as well as learning about the past. As industrial designers, we will all benefit by having a deeper understanding of the future of industrial design and to develop our abilities in determining what makes a product successful.

My Design Career

Throughout my schooling at Brigidine College Randwick I learnt the wonders of the art world from the combined mixed media of Robert Rauschenberg even to the unpredictability of Frank Gehry. It was these select few that inspired me to develop my own unique style that allowed me to gain a greater understanding and true appreciation for the beauty of the artistic process undertaken to transform ideas in artistic forms


My curious nature and peculiar imagination would often find me challenging the concepts of artists, why certain decisions were made and their intentions portrayed through their works of art. This lead to questioning not just artworks but also why objects existed in their form, how they operate and their purpose. Due to my pattern of thought in combination with my interest in the art world would eventually lead me to make the decision of selecting to become a designer and study Industrial Design at UNSW.


When the time came to submit our UAC preferences for the course that we wanted to study I was still quite confused in which path of study I wanted to pursue. I was interested in a few of the courses in the Built Environment Faculty at UNSW, where I had heard many stories of the achievements that students who had attended were able to achieve. Although there were a few incidents that convinced me to select Industrial Design; one being a friend’s sibling who spoke highly of the course describing what was involved. Another turning point in my decision was when I attended a careers day at UNSW sat down and spoke to Rina Bernabei; who at the time persuaded me that the course was an excellent choice as it would entail discovering new innovative ideas whilst still keeping in touch and expressing my creative side. Although she did mention it would not be easy and that hard work and effort is a necessity, acting as a challenge that I will be able to achieve.


After having experienced and completed the first semester of the course I have enjoyed learning the basic principles and understanding of what becoming industrial designer involves. The new range of skills that I have learnt will benefit me for the future and allow me to explore my interests. One of these main interests is my strong passion for animal welfare and through my education it will allow me to make a difference in this field. Growing up with animals I have experienced the strong bond between an owner and their pet. Unfortunately I have also experienced the feeling of what it is like to loose a pet. I hope to find solutions through creating products to current issues surrounding the well being of animals. My fascination with the art world is another interest that I aspire to explore throughout the future. I plan to design unique artistic inspired products that can express both my own personal style and reflect the style of the artist. I plan to keep designing in the future, utilising the skills I have learned from the Industrial Design course at UNSW.