Legos are a design icon and still hold dominance in the toy market. Part of this is due to its precision in design (form and materials used) but also due to the enduring appeal of the possibilities it offers for ‘play’. But how did this all come about? Lego the icon explains this revolution.
How do we identify and codify specific design direction? How to Rate 100 Visual Stimuli Efficiently explores perceptual mapping by assessing two different approaches to sorting computer-based rating data. Using the hierarchical method and the divide-and-conquer method to evaluate consumer’s perceptions we see how there are strengths to both approaches including speed of processing the information versus interpretation of information gathered. Not to mention ROI based on outcomes.
How are innovations in design lead by clusters of associated companies that are unified through their close geographical proximity to one another valued? By pulling collectively on local resources and knowledge base, these companies work together and are able to compete on a regional and global stage. Design Thinking and the Experience of Innovation details the mechanism to make that work for your firm and industry.
Female Preferences in Design? When haven’t there been? By exploring aesthetic, functional and social associations in product design, Towards Female Preferences in Design – A Pilot Study details a mixed methodology study emphasizes gender perceptions towards objects, especially the female perspective. This article encourages further studies of gender approach towards design with recommendations of its usefulness in the health sector and other areas.
Emotion and senses play an important part to how a design is received by the consumer, and Effects of Visual-Auditory Incongruity on Product Expression and Surprise takes this a step further to explore how sound effects a consumer’s relationship with the product. The results not only emphasized the relationship with product and its sound but also accentuated the expression of the object.
The fundamental material of a product is essential to its success, it effects performance as well as customer’s reaction to it and its value and Materials in Products Selection - Tools for Including User-Interaction in Materials Selection describes the Materials in Products Selection (MiPS) tool framework and how this tool can be used to optimally select the correct material for a product.
Subliminal Search: A brain monitor could vastly improve image analysts’ efficiency is an excellent framework for harnessing the brain’s superior power to register anomalies through new technologies. In light of heightened security and terrorist alerts in the mid 2000’s, we see how the development of the C3Vision system that would identify suspicious individuals abd also consumer behavior across the new product development time to market model. The implications of this development can be used in other screening process as well and here is how that can be done.
Focusing on the ugly ducklings of the design / art world, Momento Mori brings to light their dark, social commentary manifest through design. By using morbid imagery, unconventional materials and sensationalist imagery, designers question society’s taboos, especially about death. And it sells.
Profiled by ICON magazine we see Marc Newson describing his working history as a product designer and how his realization of limited art work with Gagosian Gallery fits into his creative framework. The exhibition was a turning point for design when art collectors suddenly sat up and took notice of a demand created by and for these individuas. This exhibition also provided a framework for Newson to develop experimental and egotistical works and he’s laughing all the way to the bank.
User value - competing theories and models is an excellent way to explore the various components of value and evaluates the different properties that define it for new product development activities. User-centric approach to design, time based modeling and several other accessible functional design systems and how they effect ROI are shown. An excellent read.
Design is widely accepted as being good for business as it adds value to products and has an influence on performance and visibility. Nevertheless, many corporations continue to work without internal design groups or external design agencies. Feeding the Lion - One Internal Design Group's Odyssey advocates strongly how design is good for business by giving real time examples.
Using a large sample size Exploring Types and Characteristics of Product Forms explores the emotion and pleasure associated with design. It identifies 14 key characteristics, giving emphasis to aesthetics and bios in certain areas of design. An excellent framwork for NPD analysis and pushing design forward for ROI in your firm.