By katie, 12:07 am
Art leaves interpretation to the viewer; and while design is a form of art, if our design leaves interpretation to the viewer, we have failed our mission. Design has purpose. Not all design looks pretty, but the best design marries form and function seamlessly. Our job as practitioners is to pursue this perfect combination with every project. In real life we all know how easily that pursuit can be derailed – for a myriad of reasons.
An amazing amount of research goes into even the smallest design tweaks in new products or upgraded models, for everything from diaper bags for dudes to Volvo’s concept car designed and developed almost exclusively by women.
Of course not all designs deserve an A. Last year Philadelphia replaced hundreds of public trash cans with solar-powered Big Belly cans. Thanks to the solar-powered compactor system, the cans could hold up to five times as much trash as a regular can – which means the cans don’t have to be emptied as frequently (translation = salary savings). Sounds good, right? It is, except for one major impediment. In order to actually throw away your garbage, you must first open the can’s mouth by pulling on the handle. A dirty, filthy handle. Sure, it’s impossible to go through a day without touching communal objects: doors, faucets, elevator buttons, etc. But we can’t help but wonder why a simple foot pedal couldn’t work here.
If that’s not enough, many of the Big Belly cans are partnered with a separate can for recyclables. Paper products go in the mail-slot sized opening, and cans and bottles through the circular opening. Simple right? Before you release your green applause, it should be noted that there is no direction on what number plastics are accepted by Philadelphia recycling programs. Even if someone is out there sorting through the recycled collections, we’re sure they’d appreciate even the small improvement in their workload that could be managed by a communication on the can of what plastics can be recycled.
Now that we’ve managed to write an entire piece about the highs and lows of product design, without once mentioning Apple, we’d like to hear what are your favorites and pet peeves of product design. Do share!,
By katie, 3:16 am
If there’s one thing creatives love, it’s offering our very insightful opinions on redesigns. From updated logos to product design, even the slightest tweak is subject to dissection. Many a perfectly good product may never be experienced simply by broadcasting its brand name in the wrong typeface.
That’s why it’s always very interesting when a brand decides to revisit the past when they “update” a look. WD-40, the timeless toolbox essential, recently began offering a product two-pack, with one of the bottles featuring packaging design from the 1950s. Although we’re, frankly, unfamiliar with the community of lubricant can collectors, we do very much like the tie-in with social media. Inviting fans to post pictures and comment on product usage is a terrific idea.
(more…)
By katie, 2:23 am
As this week’s @OldSpice advertising juggernaut unfolded, we were captivated by the sheer creativity, but also because we knew we were watching our industry change. Advance.
(more…)
Comments Off
By katie, 2:20 pm
There’s a reason for registries: they take the guesswork out of picking the right gift and eliminate the embarrassment of opening (or giving) a third blender. But it can be argued that they also take the fun out of finding The Perfect Gift and the surprise out of opening something that’s so perfectly you and how did they know?
(more…)
By katie, 5:38 pm
Advertising has never been a 40-hour workweek industry, but at least in the madcap days of the Mad Men when they left the office, they also left work behind.
(more…)
Comments Off
By katie, 5:00 pm
When is the last time you dashed off a personal note to a friend? Not on the computer, but with an actual pen and paper? Me? I just used my last of the holiday stamps.
As much as digital technology has revolutionized communication, there is one vestige of the past that I am trying desperately to hold onto – stationery. Yes, I still visit paper stores, and yes I even still buy birthday cards. And while I can be a bit of what my husband calls “a paper snob” I’m very impressed with Hallmark’s section of sympathy cards. And if a store can give you a range of messaging in the sympathy section, you know you’re in good hands.
(more…)
Comments Off
By katie, 2:19 pm
I’m a little embarrassed to admit this to you, but I only discovered online grocery shopping this week. I mean, I’ve always known about grocery delivery services, but those seemed a bit too indulgent, my inner frugalista outweighing my efficiency-obsessed side. Until this week when a coworker mentioned that he does his grocery shopping online and then schedules to have the order ready for pickup on his way home from work. Now that’s a compromise I can get behind.
How much shopping do you do online?
(more…)
Comments Off
By katie, 3:54 am
Interviewing for a creative position is a tough gig, but if you’ve found your way to The Creative Attic you likely know that already. Interviewing for your first creative position is even harder – when you’re promising you’ve got what it takes to be the Next Big Thinker. But your tie or pencil skirt reveal how much you have to learn about the industry yet. Or maybe that was just me, 10 years ago now.
(more…)
Comments Off
By katie, 7:17 pm
How would you explain Twitter to someone who only comprehends it in terms of Why Does Anyone Want To Know What I’m Eating For Dinner? The simplest breakdown I thought of was to describe Twitter as walking into a humongous, crowded conference hall with the ability to pop in and out of any conversation you felt like. You can talk (well, @) to your favorite celebrities, and pretty much participate in any conversation from Art to Zen. And for anyone who still doubts the value of Twitter, one only needs to Google “Twitter and Hudson River” to quickly access the Tweet that changed everything.
(more…)
Comments Off
By katie, 10:10 pm
Before even touching the hands of eager consumers, the iPad has generated an incredible roller coaster of emotions.
Initially tech geeks lampooned everything from name to capabilities (or lack thereof). No flash. No webcam. No 3G service! Slowly at first, people started thinking of the iPad’s different uses. Perhaps the iPad wasn’t perfect for the traditional Apple-head, but for the casual web surfer… or better yet, the avid reader. Ahh-ha.
(more…)
Comments Off
