Harvey Norman Class Tour

Week 9 – 14 March 2017


Nostalgia
It have been awhile since I last went for a ‘Product design’ field trip together as a class.
I always enjoyed having able to listen and discuss about our opinions on the different products.
Nonetheless, it was a fruitful class trip!

In this post, I would like to share my takes on this trip to Harvey Norman.


Brand Identity is strong.

S M E G

SMEG Pastel Colour Electric Toaster & Kettle & Refrigerator

These pastel coloured household appliances caught my immediate attention as I browse from within Harvey Norman.

 

Colour could be part of the Emotion factor

While Monochromatic household appliances may be commonly seen on the shelves of many department store, how often do we get to choose from a selection of colours?

In these example of SEMG household appliances, it shows more of the emotion-dominant products.

The soft pastel colours which embodied the heavy, dull-looking household appliances could turn out to be ‘friendlier‘ with the choice of colour used.

SMEG series of pastel coloured household appliances creates a sturdy yet gentle feel to its overall aesthetic, with emotion being dominant without compromising the function & human-factors.

“The iconic Smeg coloured refrigerator range effortlessly combines good looks with high-performance technology. With beautiful bold finishes and soft round curves reminiscent of 1950s retro design, these fridges truly stand out from the crowd. – SMEG”

Check out more SMEG products here:
http://www.smeg.sg/products/

 


A work of Art.


Hey there, I’m special yo~

Philips Linea design cordless phone

To be honest, I didn’t know how to use this at first.

A revision in design.

The only cylinder that stands out from a shelve of cordless phone.
Philips ‘Linea’ is a emotion-dominant product that creates a sense of emotion appeal.
The revision challenged how a modern cordless phone should look and is indeed a work of art.

Check out the advertising video here

 


Human-factor (Which one better?)

In the example of the Human-factor design, we take a look at 2 steam generator irons. 
On the left we have Philips & on the right we have Morphy Richards.

While both steam generator irons may look the same, the securing knob are different.
The securing knob might be a features that demonstrates the human-factors according to the nodes.

The different we see in this comparison could be due to patent or ergonomics factors.
I tried these 2 securing knobs and I found a rather distinct difference.

The securing knob in Philips requires a rather tedious process to get the iron lock in place.
The 3 steps of (Press-Pull-Lock)
Whereas for Morphy Richards a 2 steps of (Turn-Lock) will be sufficient to hold the iron in place.

Does the lack of additional steps compromise safety?
No, it doesnt.
The iron stays secured even after lifting or shifting off the surface.


Modern fan going bladeless 

I would like to compare 2 emotion-dominant products.
On the left we have a Dyson fan from Dyson, on the left we have a tower fan from Cornell.

Both products stand uniquely, deceiving their looks as a modern fan.
A dyson fan always reminds me of the soap bubble wand while this rather new tower fan remind me of a golf stick.
Funny aesthetics, wonder where all these got their inspiration from.

The difference between the direction of wind flow induce is such that Dyson’s goes horizontally in 1 direction, whereas Cornell’s goes both horizontally and vertically in 2 directions.

Despite the differences, both products definitely cause a certain emotion appeal.


Trends

Aesthetic revolution!
Modern products taking new styles and cool details!


 

Overall Thoughts

It was indeed an awe-inspiring trip to Millenia Walk outlet of Harvey Norman.
The display of various household appliances shows the evolution in product design.
With nodes acting as the importance guideline of aesthetics, we see how different area of dominance will affect the form of the product. Nodes such as emotion could make a usual appliances looks more vibrant, breathing a sense of liveliness in the aesthetics of the product. Whereas human-factors contributes to the ergonomics that caters to the needs of the different users.

Aesthetics Influence on Product Design

Recess Week


As shared by Professor Peer in the previous lecture, we were introduced to 3 main nodes that have influence over the Aesthetic & Form – Function, Human Factor and Emotion.

 

 


Function

In my understanding, functional based products focus more on fulfilling its functional requirements rather than meeting the human factors or shows any emotional values. Functional products are uncommitted to its physical appearance, form, material etc
– They are going for functionality.
As a result, most functional based product are often presented as uninteresting,
featureless, flat etc.

 

Traditional Straw Fan

A traditional straw fan is an example of a Function-based product.
Its function is to induce airflow gathered in the surrounding air for the purpose of cooling oneself. The movement of the straw fan has a direct effect on the amount of airflow induced.
One might find the prolong usage of the straw fan tiring as tension are being applied on the hand/wrist area thus not achieving the ergonomics of the human factor. On the other hand, the straw fan appears as dull and uninteresting.

 

 

 


Human Factor

In my understanding of the human factor, ergonomics take places. ‘Human factor’ could only take place through tons of research and experimentation. This includes the human anatomy (5 percentile vs 95 percentile) and usually are coherent with the study in user experience in design. To list a few of the ergonomics features found in products would be; Rubber grip, indications etc. – These maximize the convenience of user interaction.

 

Mitsubishi 16″ Stand Fan

With technology advancement, airflow can now be induced with the help of mechanized fluid (Blades). This standing fan features changeable speed and easily seen buttons at the front for accessibility. It also produce softer noise and low power consumption.

While achieving its function, the focus on human factors helps to improve the interaction between user and the product which result in a more efficient and safe for use.

 

 


Emotion

In my understanding, Emotion-based products are relatively interesting. It challenges the modern practice, pushes boundaries and anticipate innovation. These products may be unusual but will leave a awe-inspiring impression to its user and might cause a shift in demand if technology allow*. The choice of colour and material is relatively important as well inorder to capture a sense of mood.

 

Dyson Air Multiplier Am07

When this product was introduced in the market back in 2009, I was amazed by its innovation and it changes my perception of that of a ‘regular’ bladed fan. This product shows the impossible possible, not only it distinguish itself in the market but had since left myself a positive impression. The choice of colour give the overall design a cool touch – very futuristic-like.
In addition, this bladeless fan managed to invoke a sense of curiousity in every mind and individuals creating a sense of emotion.
Just one word: Awesome.

 

 

And it’s safe and easy to clean too!

Image result for dyson fan clean

 


Through this exercise, I find the importance between the 3 nodes.

It is a good research and to crank my mind during the recess week.
I decide to compare between the ‘Fans’ we have over the time period from the tradition to the modern.
I find using only ‘Fans’ a comparison is a fair and coherent analysis.

So, where will my Toy for Project 2 fall under?
Check out my sketches next week!

PD2 – Which Product Designer do you best identify with?

Hey there!
Thank you for visiting my page!
In this post, I shall discuss about a Product Designer I am best identify with!

We were tasked to choose from one of the following Product Designers

  • Marc Newson
  • Naoto Fukasawa
  • Ross Lovegrove
  • Yves Behar
  • Karim Rashid

I read several articles and check out their profiles, THEY ARE AMAZING!
I questioned myself if I can be as good as them in the future..
Be it sketches or design thinking, I am pretty much amazed and I look up to them.

The task to choose 1 out from the 5 product designers “that I’m best identify with” is pretty much difficult as they shared common ideal of a democratic design; values, sustainability, economy etc. but amazing in their own unique ways.
Alright, let’s discuss.

_____________________________________________

Product Designer Look up

 

Marc Newson

Marc Newson
– Go for simplicity rather than complexity

Marc Newson’s design with the sense of quality – a product that is able to work forever.
I find Marc Newson designs; Clean, neat and elegant.
The choice of material and the colour scheme used in his products works in harmony thus creating a gentle overall feel.

Naoto Fukasawa

Naoto Fukasawa
– Design with an objective

Naoto Fukasawa’s designs relies on finding solutions to the problem/s. – By studying human factors and understanding human behaviours.
I find Naoto Fukasawa designs; Very Minimalistic, interesting, Japan-ish.
His works harmonize the relationship between humans and their environment – whereby mechanisms and elements work together to enable a physical connection between the user and the object.

Ross Lovegrove

Ross Lovegrove
– Organic design, inspired by nature

Ross Lovegross designs consist of the amalgamation of art with the function of a design.
– Presence of the nature world are seen in his design as Ross are inspired by the principles of evolution and microbiology.
I find Ross Lovegrove design; Interesting organic forms that deal with lots of curves.
As mentioned, Ross Lovegrove blends most of his works with the elements from the nature capturing the essence of the natural world in his designs.

Yves Behar

Yves Behar
– Deliver that ‘interesting’ experience

Yves Behar design a wide range of products. – His designs emphasis on a more stylistic feel to a modern product by introducing a more ‘Interesting’ elements to it. – Modern design with a twist.
I find Yves Behar designs emphasis on the modern technology to make things better. Such as keeping up with technology and keeping things customisable/personalisation catering to specific individuals.
Karim Rashid

Karim Rashid
– Bringing art to design

Karim Behar has a wide range of interesting cool products. – Art element presented in the product creates a sense of uniqueness and individuality.
I find Karim Rashid designs rich in aesthetic values. Which is much curious yet pleasing to the eyes.
The aesthetic point made his product presentable, simple and clean-looking.

_____________________________________________

The Verdict

Q: Which one of the following Product Designers do you best identify with?

After looking up at the various mentioned Product Designers, I felt that I’m more identify with Yves Behar. Living in the fast-paced digital world today, the importance of technology cannot be neglected. Newer products would eventually replace old products thus the change drives product innovations. Like Yves Behar mentioned in the video, the future of design is relatively importance as more product would emphasise the interface between human/technology relationships. That apart, I hope to design products that are equally as beautiful and presentable as part of the aesthetic values.