Response to Parts of the Letter

The slight changes in certain parts of a letter is what defines a certain typeface. Being able to identify and compare different typefaces will be a valuable skill to have for the future, and would help with the building process of the physical letters. Learning about counterform was also a valuable lesson, as it can be an easy way to provide symbolism or just make the word look more pleasing to the eye. For example, I have never noticed the arrow in the word FedEx. Now that I have noticed it, I understand its purpose and how it can be done with other words.

Response to Understanding Comics

A comic is an abstraction of a realistic object, something that was bore down tp more simple lines in order to emphasize a certain point. What I have learned from this is that realistic details could be unnecessary under some circumstances. For example, a sketch of a new design for a product does not need every inch of detail sketched out, but rather only the important features of the product should be present. That way, it would be easier for another person to percieve the idea about how the product works. It would become a better form of visual communication in general.

Response to Writer's Toolbox

The methods provided in the Writer’s Toolbox are all very useful, but the most common and useful way of brainstorming I think is the mind map. You are to start with a couple of terms/idea, then expand your idea by relating to the original. I think this method is effective because it forces one to think about the subject within limit. For example, if we were to adress the issues with a pizza cutter, we would find the issues with the item (in this case, a loose blade and an uncomfortable handle), then think about ways to improve it. If one were to not use the mind map, it would be hard to keep track of your thoughts and ideas you have come up with.

Response to Color Lecture

Color is an essential part of everyone’s life. If color is not present one’s life, it can impact how a person percieves something, like the M&Ms packaging that was made black and white. It conveyed a totally different feeling compared to the original that was brightly colored. The brightly colored one expressed an emotion of happiness and sweetness, while the black and white any describes the product only.

Response to Dieter Rams

Design is something that is all around us. It is something that creates interesting lives. It is something forgettable and so simple that some people do not understand or realize it’s there. Good design is unobtrusive, as Dieter Rams would say, they are not to be easily noticeable and more functional. Examples of good design would be daily objects we use that are more functional than anything. Design should be long lasting and do its job to serve the society, for that is the main purpose of well designed items. These principles will help designers create something that is simple and helpful to our lives, whether it be cars, chairs, or even an idea or plan.

Response to Don Norman

Design to Don Norman is not something that is useful and simple, unlike Dieter Rams. He thinks of design as an emotional idea, that should make someone feel like they want to use it, rather then just physically appreciating an item. Making an item express a positive emotion can make a person want it more then just being physically useful.