Design

methods 2011 -Assignments 2011 VHafO 2011-11-13

Assignment 6 2011 Meaning & Form

Things are cherished for the meaning they convey, and design has said to be about communicating and emphasising a products qualities. Assignment You are to redesign the visual appearance of a product using methods covered in the concept generation (Functional surfaces, design elements, form division) and product semantics lectures. Start by analysing the existing solution in terms of design elements and functional surfaces. Identify what semantic functions they realise (describing, exhorting, identifying, expressing). Also identify the type of sign (index, icon, symbol). Try to describe the existing solution in terms of 5-6 adjectives. Decide on a visual theme (explore alternatives through mood-, style- and theme- boards), describable by 5-6 adjectives. Examples of styles may be 50s Americana, Art Noveou, Star Trek etc. Explore variations of functional surfaces (and how they are connected) and other design elements. Aim to replace icons and symbols with indexes and to make the expression consistent with your theme. Make sure to be explicit and motivated in your decisions Objectives Demonstrate understanding of the purpose of the methods and proficiency in applying them. Please use appropriate terminology and relate to theory (through references). You are free to determine what product you want to work with. Suitable products for the assignment include domestic appliances but if you wish to redesign elevators or coffee vending machines that is also ok You are to produce as short report (max 2000 words + appendices). Make sure that your documentation covers the problem you are trying to address, the process by which you have addressed it, and your proposed solution (product). Upload the report to Scio as a.pdf under your own name. Make sure that your report covers: Semantic analysis of the current solutions and identification of functional surfaces. Exploration of visual themes (using mood, style-and theme boards) Conceptual solutions based on e.g. variation of functional surfaces and what connects them. Be explicit in your discussion about how your decisions on form support the overall theme. Deadline Consultations Report due Mon 2011-12-13 17.00 In case you need to book a time for consultation outside office/lecture hours email: viktor.hjort@his.se or call 0500-448573

The Brief

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