Product Design 2 – Yay cake.

Harvey Norman field trip

Both of these semi-professional mixers sport similar curves and forms. The base connects seamlessly to the mixer attachments and come in a variety of bright colors. In comparison the Kitchenaid mixers have more knobs which in my opinion are rather fussy even though they are functional. As a avid home baker, I I find the placement of the speed switch cumbersome and unnatural. However it does achieve a rather lovely look and I appreciate the aesthetics. Both of these mixers were designed with the intention of occupying a permanent spot in the kitchen thus the color and strong character designed. It is also an interesting observation that the mixing bowls are made in different materials. The Kitchenaid has a metal bowl which is great for removing residual grease (butter) however the glass bowl allows users to observe the process and keep watch on the baking process. Both mixers have attachable extra accessories to perform more functions (Pasta/sausage maker, spiralizer, food processor etc.), this has been a trend in most higher end home mixers as it allows users to minimize the space required in their kitchen to store extra machines that aren’t used on a regular basis.

Trends I noticed
-Pastel colors for kitchenware products (Espresso machines, juicers, toasters, refrigerators etc.) with rounded, smooth edges.
-Large, protruding knobs
-Hair dryers that have additional parts to curl hair (multifunctional products)
-Washing machines that can take large loads
-Portable irons/ironing boards with combined steamer functions
-Multifunction ovens (conventional,fan and microwave all rolled into one)

The Triangle of ~Aesthetics~

Aesthetics is affected by three factors: Function, Human Factor (Ergonomics) and Emotion.

Karim Rashid

Out of the given designers, I would say I identify with Karim Rashid. His work has a sense of vibrant flamboyance that I love, while ensuring that it doesn’t topple into the category of gaudy or kitschy. While exploring his website I came across a few products that I really liked.

This adjustable couch titled ‘River Must Flow’ caught my attention primarily because of the pop of color which gives this piece of furniture presence in the space and with that character. Secondly the fluid form invites users to interact and personalize according to their need or preference, I find products that have the capability to do so just a bit more endearing. The various forms creates different narratives in the space, creating new atmospheres for the users.

By reading Rashid’s manifestos, one can see how it is translated into his works.
To quote “Now design is not about solving problems, but about a rigorous beautification of our built environments. Design is about the betterment of our lives poetically, aesthetically, experientially, sensorially, and emotionally. My real desire is to see people live in the modus of our time, to participate in the contemporary world,…”. His pursuit of beautifying lives in ways big and small resonates with the kind of designer I hope to become.

Rashid designed this bathroom collection for Grund, the colors, patterns and material reminds me very much of the 60s pop culture. I imagine having this item in my bathroom would make me smile on dreary mornings. I understand this might not suit everyone’s tastes as it is an item that refuses to be silent, but commands attention. Rashid’s designs seem to have this certain way of alleviating the banal and mundane into something lively.

Besides designing products, his studio also dabbles in graphic, spatial and surface design. This multidisciplinary aspect seem to work well for them, applying the same aesthetic eye in choice of color, motif and pattern.

For Tarkett

For Fun Factory

His liberal use of color, careful injection of personality in every product makes Karim Rashid’s studio my top pick.