First Encounters with Design

Long, smooth, black, cold.

This object that creates sounds by blowing air through it, allowing sound to resonate through the body and through holes. The man-made clarinet.

image source: http://www.fredmooremusic.net/yamaha.html

The elements and design of this instrument has its impact in my memories; although I do not actually use this instrument anymore, memories of it may be triggered through various senses.

Sound can be created in  various ways, one can simply create sound just by vibrating sound waves in or on objects. This video below is an excellent example of how simple a clarinet can be made and how sound or music can be created with simple objects.

Even so, the design of a typical clarinet has purpose. The cold metal rings that lay on top of the cut holes in a clarinet allow different sounds to be made. The reason why the metal keys lay so close to the body of the instruments is to allow ease of movement. Fingers move rapidly when different sounds need to be heard. The wide horn end allows sound to exit into a wider range.

When a squeak is present, people commonly are quick to think that it is annoying. My ears quickly take me back to my memories of squeaking when a note is not played right in the instrument. The smell of old rags take me back to how the mouthpiece of the clarinet smells when I was too lazy to clean out the spit created after blowing air through a practice session.

And last but not least, like muscle memory, when Classical music is played and the clarinet is present within the musical piece; my fingers cannot help but tap up and down the air as if I was once again sitting in my chair on the stage playing.

Design is Communication

Communication is defined as the process of exchanging information or messages through a system. This can include but is not limited to  symbols, text, verbal communication, words, drawing, eye contact, touch, music and even body language. Design is communication; similar to language but is not specific or defined.

Typically, language is unique in that it originates from a specific region in the world. For example, if one should go to Italy they would commonly find the natives primarily speaking Italian. The same goes for China, Japan, German, Brazil, and etc... However Design is not born from a specific place and does not "evolve” from something else. Design to me, just appears and is global. Design is everywhere and is able to communicate with people from all walks of life. Certainly not every single person will be able to see or understand what designs are communicating all the time but communication in design is present.

The ROO chair- Image found on http://www.lekkerhome.com/?CollectionID=361

The ROO Chair (Pictured above) is a effective image that shows communication through design. What do you see when looking at this chair? The design of this chair is to convey comfort. The man sleeping on the chair looks to be so comfortable that he is asleep on it. When we as designers see or sit in a chair what thoughts cross our minds? Some chairs are designed to be comfortable, some to be stylish, contemporary, or even luxurious. When I, as a Designer sit in a chair that is very uncomfortable or unsuited for me, I think of ways a chair can be designed and created to suit my needs. So, when there is design present (which should be everywhere) what does it communicate to you?