Field Trip#2

                                                            "Design in Our Lives"

In my opinion, every piece of design has its own functionalities and I may divide these functionalities in two different parts. The works which are considered as “high functionality” are highly functional in both visual and usable parts, so we may call them “ergonomic work”. And the works have “low functionality” may define as works that only have function of visual.

 

Cup Sleeve                                                         Jay D.Sorensen Jave Jacket cup sleeve 1993. Recyled paper, 11x2,5"                               

Letter Opener

Marcello Nizzoli. Letter Opener. 1960. Melamine resin, 8 5/8 x 1 3/4" (21.9 x 4.4 cm).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

              These two works I picked as “high functionality” have their common in visual and usable parts. Assume that we see these objects for first time; we may hardly recognize what these objects use for. It means these design arts are unique and fresh enough for hooking us in visual way. Furthermore, their utilities made these design works ergonomic. Nowadays, those two design arts are widely using in the world because of their high functionalities in utility. Most people need them for their daily lives and these works became a part of our lives. Those designs which can bring convenience to many people for using would be define as “high functionality.”

 

XXXX_Sofa                                                     Yuya Ushida. XXXX_Sofa. 2011. Polyamide plastic, closed: 38 x 30 x 16"

 

 

Knork Fork

 Maria Benktzon and Sven-Eric Juhlin. Knork Fork. 1978. Polycarbonate and ABS plastics, and stainless steel, 7 1/4 x 1 1/4 x 3/4"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Low functionality” design works may be highly functional only in their visual ways but utility. Both of these designs would attract us in visual way because these designs have different images than we used to see. Although these works are very unique to hook us, they don’t have high-function in usable way. I think the design “knork fork”, which is the combination of knife and fork, seems very useful for us, but it has danger to cut your lips. The “XXXX-sofa,” I may try to sit on it, but not more than once because I am afraid of mark that may print on my leg if I wore short pants. These design works may be considered as good design, but not the one has “high functionality.”

Good design works do not always need to be “high functionality”. In my own opinion, to be a good design, the most important element is the visual attraction. Even if it has no quality for use, it may satisfy my visual needs. So I would call it good design but not “high functionality” design. And art and design always come together they couldn’t be separate.