Reflection 1: Mind Mapping Design



I think the whole PD crew of 2010 has been having problems fielding the question of what exactly we are studying. I've gotten responses to"I study product design" ranging through the following:

1) Are you like an industrial designer?
2) So you are a fake engineer?
3) What exactly do you design?
4) How do you study design?
5) Oh like fashion design?

etc...

So for this reflection my mind map includes all the different things I have been using for answers to the question of "what are you studying at Stanford?"

I'm getting a better feeling for what the goal of the product design program at Stanford is all about. Its not clear cut, which is the beauty of the program. Everyone of the 13 of us are completely different with a diverse range of goals, ideas and knowledge.
Here is my first written attempt at the definition, but ask me again in a week, it will probably have changed.

"What is product design?"
Product Design at Stanford is the education of the theory of design that can be applied to problem solving for anything from household products to world hunger. It is a combination of engineering, art, business, psychology and everything else under the sun that influences how people live their lives. I am studying human values and the needs of society to help me design more well rounded, thought out products that will work better and are more sustainable in order to create a brighter future for the user.

I'll keep working on it.

DP0 - Dealing with the data divide and how to handle the influx of digital photography.

What do people do with the thousands of photos they have stored in photos on their hard drive?
Do they ever actually look at them again or share them?
Do the stories get lost when looking at others photos online without them being present to detail the context of the photo?

Why do people take pictures in the first place? They take them to brag or show others the things they have done. People can share memories with others who may not have been able to have the same experiences or they could be using photos to reminisce about past times together.

Everyone is different in how they use their old pictures. The photo scrolling picture frames are a new way to display a select few of your photos. Some people post pictures online or print their favorite photos for albums. Others may take on the task of scrap-booking their best pictures of their memories.

As one of the later, I scrapbook my memories, trips and adventures to share with others. It is still a burden on others though and convincing someone to take time out of their day to look at my scrapbook is intense. Pages and pages of my life and me trying to explain all the great moments. Though it comes in most handy when someone is planning a trip somewhere I have been and I have a map, photos and receipts detailing what I did making recommendations easy and trustworthy.

How do you show people your photos, share your memories without DEMANDING their time?

The Memory Deck:


A compact assortment off all your favorite photos that you can take with you and friends can see without you offering.
"Hey wanna play cards?"
"Sure"
"Oh cool, you've been to Prague!!"

Its a non intrusive way to share files, memories in a fun environment.

Decks could be associated with specific times as well:

• Euro Deck
• Baby's 1st Deck
• Roadtrip Deck
• Springbreak Deck
• Family Deck

Reflections:
I liked the idea and the prototype got the point across. The product could easily be designed and implemented.

Things I liked:

• Cards are intrinsic = no explanation necessary

Things I would do different next time:

• Make cards exactly regular card deck size with rounded edges.

Gaudi: 1852-1907


I chose Gaudi to do my presentation on because I wanted to emphasize my love for natural lighting and the use of good design in aesthetics. Its amazing when something can work well and look great at the same time.

The cascading colors in Gaudi's work was beautiful. The texture given by the tile alone showed his technique and artistic views but combined with the ability to draw in light made an even greater impact.

I think he emphasizes the concept of Art & Design that the PD program at Stanford with the Engineers & Fine Art students working together exemplifies.




Gaudi Quote: "Everything comes from the great book of nature."



Words I like to use to describe him:

Imagitiveness
Freedom
Individuality



Photos from the inside of Casa Batllo built 1905-1907 and still stands in Barcelona, Spain.