I'd like to give a nod to Queen, as they are the artist of the posting today. While overly glamor obsessed, these diva men had some incredible songs. They produced one of the most memorable ballads of all time, and their wide vocal range is still envied by many a singer today. Time now to actually ponder the other blogs. I'd like to note first that, since there are a total of three posts thus far, one of which being a 'getting to know you' post, there isn't a large amount of content to critically analyze and comment upon. So to meet that end, most of the material will be focused upon the last journal involving the pictures of patterns. And specifically, I read through Bridget and Dans' blogs since they were the two members whom I got to know a little bit during the first day of class. On to the post then?
First, I'd like to begin with Bridgets' site. It was interesting to see that she had personal connections to the items/materials we covered in the first power point lecture. I appreciated that due to the difference in us; my family never had any of the specific items mentioned. In fact, I never knew about ANY of the chairs. So needless to say, I my family never owned any of them. Jumping ahead now to journal number 2 with the pictures, I really liked the theme she set up. Beyond the obvious school spirit idea, I appreciated it because I, too, enjoy focusing on themes in design. And congruent, symetrical patterns are even better, hence the block O she sought. Kuddos on the pictures; loved the pictures, themes, and overall school spirit! http://bridgetmears.blogspot.com/
Next, I looked at Dans'. Again, starting more with a personal note, I think it is really cool he has already made up his mind about switching to design. I remember talking to him the first day and he mentioned how he was on the fence about engineering (my major as well). So I am glad he found something he really like now and I wish him luck. I didn't have my major picked out for about a year and a half into college myself. It can be stressful to spend so much money and not realize what the purpose is. Looking more to his pictures, I really enjoyed the photos he took personally. The first picture, specifically, was really fascinating. To begin with, I was sort of surprised that such a rough, unfinished looking wall was inside one of the dorm buildings. It has a rough, unfinished look. http://dancsp11.blogspot.com/
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
"CR01:" One Step Closer
Here it is, late on a Sunday night, and I realize next week begins weeks three of the spring quarter. Which means there has already been two weeks of material covered when it feels like only yesterday the class was getting started! Hence the title for today (as sung by Linkin Park) implies we are just that much closer to the end of our quarter. So, let's take a moment and look back at what has been covered. During the first class day, simple pleasentries were exchanged. That involved drawing a card and matching it to form a group, and I just want to take a minute to say that should be done more often. I realize a quarter flies by when only meeting a couple times a week, but it really helps put students at ease and, I think, makes the environment more comftorable to learn in, when forced into ice breaking situations. But, maybe I'm just biased because I enjoyed the two people I got to talk to! Also, I'm very interested in learning what significance the card will play later, since we were suppose to keep it. All funny stories and pondering of questions aside, though, the first day was a unique and enjoyable experience which offered a breif overview.
Day two, however, was a straight up lecture on the history of design focusing on key events such as the industrial revolution, architecture concepts applied from the Bauhaus, and the evolution of the chair from the early 1900's up until post modernisms influences appeared. I was interested in watching the evolution of design, at least in the manor which it was presented to us, because it helped emphasize the impact it has played on both a small and larger scale. Looking at some of the early inventions of items (such as the early toilets) illistrated the clear difference in ideas of design from person to person. To me, it started to stress the concept of functionality versus aesthetic value. Also, by discussing the Bauhaus, and then comparing them with a couple of buildings located on campus, it would seem that design in all respects, be it product based, architecture, graphic, etc works on reinventing designs in a slightly different way rather than making completly new ones.
Day three involved a brief disscussion to touch base on up comming assignmets and class progression thus far. This was followed by a tour of a couple of libraries around campus, which included the Wexner Center and Knowlton Hall. I don't have alot of deep insight conerning the tour, but I would like to note that I had actually not been inside of either and was impressed by both. I was very impressed to learn we were the only large scale college with a commic gallery. And perhaps even more impressed by the layout inside of Knowlton hall. I was taken back by how large the inside of that building felt. However, it was a very positive experience; I loved the feel overall, and I appreciated the opportunity to see/sit in the various chair covered in the prior lecture. I doubt I would have ever done so otherwise.
Day four, the most recent, was another lecture class. This one covered the three general programs offered by OSU and gave a little bit of insight into what each did and had to offer. This class was a boost in my confidence for my minor choice becaue I felt more than ever that a design field would mesh perfectly with an engineering degree. Based off of the product based designs, it seems like the most efficent and well working products would be thought of/built by someone who had extensive knowledge in both areas. With the expertiese of an engineer, a person could pick the optimal materials to create an effienct, working product. And with the help of their design background, could find a happy medium in the strength of the material in order to shape and mold the design into something marketable and sought after. Other note worthy considerations would be the general idea of some uniformity is needed within design. Based off of the part where we discussed various sign posts not being universal, I believe it probably applies to a slightly larger aspect of desgin than just that. It would be very important, I feel, for designers to understand their general customers and societies for which they work. It seems that some markets would be more suited to certain themes than others. And no matter how 'awesome' a design might be, it just won't work if it's being pitched to the wrong group. i.e. , Mr. manly isn't going to want a pink house with rainbows, unicorns, and magical fairies incorporated into it. Nor would a formal buisness, such as a banking firm, want a logo that appears to be done by a child.
Day two, however, was a straight up lecture on the history of design focusing on key events such as the industrial revolution, architecture concepts applied from the Bauhaus, and the evolution of the chair from the early 1900's up until post modernisms influences appeared. I was interested in watching the evolution of design, at least in the manor which it was presented to us, because it helped emphasize the impact it has played on both a small and larger scale. Looking at some of the early inventions of items (such as the early toilets) illistrated the clear difference in ideas of design from person to person. To me, it started to stress the concept of functionality versus aesthetic value. Also, by discussing the Bauhaus, and then comparing them with a couple of buildings located on campus, it would seem that design in all respects, be it product based, architecture, graphic, etc works on reinventing designs in a slightly different way rather than making completly new ones.
Day three involved a brief disscussion to touch base on up comming assignmets and class progression thus far. This was followed by a tour of a couple of libraries around campus, which included the Wexner Center and Knowlton Hall. I don't have alot of deep insight conerning the tour, but I would like to note that I had actually not been inside of either and was impressed by both. I was very impressed to learn we were the only large scale college with a commic gallery. And perhaps even more impressed by the layout inside of Knowlton hall. I was taken back by how large the inside of that building felt. However, it was a very positive experience; I loved the feel overall, and I appreciated the opportunity to see/sit in the various chair covered in the prior lecture. I doubt I would have ever done so otherwise.
Day four, the most recent, was another lecture class. This one covered the three general programs offered by OSU and gave a little bit of insight into what each did and had to offer. This class was a boost in my confidence for my minor choice becaue I felt more than ever that a design field would mesh perfectly with an engineering degree. Based off of the product based designs, it seems like the most efficent and well working products would be thought of/built by someone who had extensive knowledge in both areas. With the expertiese of an engineer, a person could pick the optimal materials to create an effienct, working product. And with the help of their design background, could find a happy medium in the strength of the material in order to shape and mold the design into something marketable and sought after. Other note worthy considerations would be the general idea of some uniformity is needed within design. Based off of the part where we discussed various sign posts not being universal, I believe it probably applies to a slightly larger aspect of desgin than just that. It would be very important, I feel, for designers to understand their general customers and societies for which they work. It seems that some markets would be more suited to certain themes than others. And no matter how 'awesome' a design might be, it just won't work if it's being pitched to the wrong group. i.e. , Mr. manly isn't going to want a pink house with rainbows, unicorns, and magical fairies incorporated into it. Nor would a formal buisness, such as a banking firm, want a logo that appears to be done by a child.
"JO2:" Beautiful America
Beautiful America, by Five Iron Frenzy. A decent song, and interesting band. They try to combine modern rock instruments and rhythms with a big band feel by using trumpets and other instrumentation. Which helps transition into this posting: interesting, man made patterns. I deliberately focused on all synthetic patterns created through industry.
* To save a little bit of time and writing, all of my pictures are assorted items found in or around my house, which is is about two miles from campus. All of which were also taken today, Sunday of April the 10th.
5) This image portrays an electric razor. I primarily chose it for the honeycomb structured pattern. It had a glossy finish, which makes it reflect light pretty well (as seen in the picture) and that coupled with the repeating hexagonal pattern seemed to be mesmerizing if you stare at it long enough.
10) This picture is of a typical rug. I chose it because, like previous posts, the pattern within patterns. Really, the entire piece is a big pattern consisting of several smaller ones. From the very fibers, to the line placement, and finally the overall picture of the repeating flowers. to me, it represents the shutters on a house with what might be vines/flowers growing on them. A very soothing and welcoming picture.
* To save a little bit of time and writing, all of my pictures are assorted items found in or around my house, which is is about two miles from campus. All of which were also taken today, Sunday of April the 10th.
1) The following pattern comes from a (approximately) 23 inch, Sanyo box tv. I just happened to be walking by and I noticed the interweaving grid of straight lines. I enjoy the way it seems to fan out, each 'missing' row becoming longer and longer as the grid continues to replicate itself.
2) This example was just a good quality, mens basketball I own. What attracted me to this one was the concept of a pattern within a pattern. There is the obvious black lines which stands out immediately which have a fixed, almost mirror like, scheme. But the bounding of the ball is actually composed of microscopic, circle like structures. There has to be thousands of those spread over the entire ball.
3) Yep, this one is as simple as it appears to be. It is nothing my than the brick siding on my house. I chose this one because I don't think the significance of the design/functionality of an alternating brick layout should be underestimated. It was placed in that position to increase the strength/stability and aesthetically, it looks sharp.
4) Honestly, I'm not sure what to say about this one other than I just thought it looked really cool. Is an arm of a comfortable desk chair, and I liked everything about it from the cool scheme, to the texture of it, especially the curvature/angles used in the design, and even the multi-holed pattern on top. It suits my personal taste very well.
5) This image portrays an electric razor. I primarily chose it for the honeycomb structured pattern. It had a glossy finish, which makes it reflect light pretty well (as seen in the picture) and that coupled with the repeating hexagonal pattern seemed to be mesmerizing if you stare at it long enough.
6) This one might be my favorite of the pictures that I took. The image is a shadow of a thin metal frame support that helps support the awning over the front door. The sun helped elongate the pattern, which formed altered geometrical shapes. Plus, the interweaving pattern gives the impression of various objects or possibly animals. For instance, I see a kite!
7) This picture came out a little blurry, so it might be hard to see the pattern. Its a simple light fixture mounted to the ceiling and I was impressed by the lines within the glass seem to start straight around the edges and slowly twist to converge at the center of the fixture which creates a spiral pattern and semi-optical illusion
8) Another light fixture within the home. This one is pretty straight forward in the patterns (most of which are some form of a rectangle). However, the curved metal frame adds a nice contrast to the straight forward presentation, and I especially liked how the blue stained glass portion does not follow a fixed pattern. It adds a nice contrast with the color when compared to the geometric pattern.
9) This picture is pretty obvious, I think. It is the car wheel of my Honda Accord. I focused on it due to the circular feel to it. Obviously the tire is round, as well as the hub cap. But even the holes and the corresponding lug nuts are. Plus, I liked the ribbed/bowed out texture that lies on the arms.
10) This picture is of a typical rug. I chose it because, like previous posts, the pattern within patterns. Really, the entire piece is a big pattern consisting of several smaller ones. From the very fibers, to the line placement, and finally the overall picture of the repeating flowers. to me, it represents the shutters on a house with what might be vines/flowers growing on them. A very soothing and welcoming picture.
Monday, March 28, 2011
"Step 3": Your Mother Should Know
The title was in response to the overall question, "what are you hoping to get out of this course?" It stuck with the theme mentioned in the prior post (again, I thank The Beatles for their generous contribution, this time comming from their Magical Mystery Tour album). Perhaps a bit crude, if taken in that respect, but I assure any and everyone it was meant in good fun and I do apologize if it upset any reader(s). Now, on to business. I am interested in learning much more about industrial design (yes, even though I realize this will probably make Gabe cringe). It is what I intend to minor in, after all, so more information and feedback would be welcome. From this particular course, I simply hope to have some fun and I see it as a break from my math and science laden studies. But overall, I intend to do well on any and all assignments, since this is a requiremment for my minor. As for how I found out about the course, it was thanks to my advisor. Or at least, the handout she gave me. I think that about covers it.
"Step 2": Come Together
Let's see...introductions are in order, I believe? My name is Zack, and I'm a fairly private person. So this 'blog' is a new experience for me (time will tell if it is good or bad I suppose). Also with the privacy in mind, I'll keep personal info rather...well, inpersonal. I'm a third year student, second with OSU (I transfered from the University of Akron), and didn't pick a major until last year. That said, I'm quite behind on my "four year" program and doubt I graduate anywhere near on time. I'm majoring in Industrial and Systems engineering, hopefully with a minor in Idustrial design. My interests are pretty common and bland. I enjoy music, both listening to and making (rock genre is pretty much it, with a large focus on classic rock). And with that said, my instrument of choice is the guitar. Also, I feel now might be a good time to look a bit more in depth at my titles, screen names, etc. I thought it might be fun to name everything after a musicians song title. Sort of a double entendre, if you will. And tonight, all of the postings (and my screen name) are comming to you from The Beatles. In the future, I'll probably change bands, but either way I intend to keep the theme all quarter long if possible. Other interests I suppose would include video games, sports (football and basketball mainly), and leisure activities such as watching tv with friends. And I think that'll do it for me. Until next time!
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