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.