Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Product Design and Christianity

2 years ago, someone ask me, "what's the relationship between Product Design and Christianity?".
"i don't know", i said.

But now, i know the answer. And it's amazing how those two things related to each other. And I believe that Christianity will also related to other subjects, no matter what it is.

Genesis 1:27
"So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

Our God is a Creator God - Elohim. And so does a Product Designer, a creator.
He's just so creative that He made each of us unique - distinctive. But still, we carry His image (value). And He always put a purpose in every thing that He create. He never make something with no purpose. Even He has a purpose when He made a cockroach. :D
Anyway, that's how we, as a product designer, should design our own product - unique and has a purpose, and carry our own image.
That's why Chris Bangle said, "if you feel sexy, the car u design will be sexy".

So, the first step to be creative is to have a good self-concept.
"The self-concept is basically comprised of one's (1) self-image—how I picture or see myself, (2) self-esteem—how I feel about myself; and (3) self-worth—how much I value myself, all of which add up to one's level of self-acceptance, which is how much or how well I accept myself." (taken from: http://www.actsweb.org/articles/article.php?i=123&d=1&c=4&p=1)
If you have a bad self-concept, i suggest u read the article in that link. Coz i won't explain it in this note. Hehehe.

Ok, the next step after u have a good self-concept is find out what's valuable to you. Just like God, He value Love highly because God is love. So, when He made us, he put His value in us, LOVE. That's why all of us may want to Love and be loved.
So, what's valuable to you? Is it honesty? Faith? or what? U name it. And when you design something, put that value to your design!

Finally, here's an example how a designer put his value to his design: Jonathan Ive head of Industrial Design at Apple. He value Honesty and Simplicity.
This passion for "honest" and "simple design" that is always declared by Ive whenever he's interviewed, is at the core of Dieter Rams' 10 principles for good design:

Good Design
1.is Innovative
It does not copy existing product forms, nor does it produce any kind of novelty for the sake of it. The essence of innovation must be clearly seen in all functions of a product. The possibilities in this respect are by no means exhausted. Technological development keeps offering new chances for innovative solutions.

2. makes a product useful
A product is bought in order to be used. It must serve a defined purpose – in both primary and additional functions. The most important task of design is to optimise the utility of a product.

3. Is aesthetic
The aesthetic quality of a product – and the fascination it inspires – is an integral part of its utility. Without doubt, it is uncomfortable and tiring to have to put up with products that are confusing, that get on your nerves, that you are unable to relate to. However, it has always been a hard task to argue about aesthetic quality, for two reasons.

Firstly, it is difficult to talk about anything visual, since words have a different meaning for different people.

Secondly, aesthetic quality deals with details, subtle shades, harmony and the equilibrium of a whole variety of visual elements. A good eye is required, schooled by years and years of experience, in order to be able to draw the right conclusion.

4. Helps a product be understood
It clarifies the structure of the product. Better still, it can make the product talk. At best, it is self-explanatory and saves you the long, tedious perusal of the operating manual.

5. Is unobtrusive
Products that satisfy this criterion are tools. They are neither decorative objects nor works of art. Their design should therefore be both neutral and restrained leaving room for the user’s self-expression.

6. Is honest
An honestly-designed product must not claim features – more innovative, more efficient, of higher value – it does not have. It must not influence or manipulate buyers and users.

7. Is durable
It is nothing trendy that might be out-of-date tomorrow. This is one of the major differences between well-designed products and trivial objects for a waste-producing society. Waste must no longer be tolerated.

8. Is consistent to the last detail
Thoroughness and accuracy of design are synonymous with the product and its functions, as seen through the eyes of the user.

9. Is concerned with environment
Design must contribute towards a stable environment and a sensible use of raw materials. This means considering not only actual pollution, but also the visual pollution and destruction of our environment.

10. Is as little design as possible
Pure and simple.

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