Reading response 4—Principles of Good Design

The discussion topic for today was Principles of good design. Although the video we watched did not talk all the principles and it was not just limited to digital products, I really like this topic as it is closely concerned with our everyday life.

In general, the author summarized the principles as the following points:  

Good design is innovative;

Good design makes a product useful;

Good design is aesthetic;

Good design helps us to understand a product;

Good design is unobtrusive;

Good design is honest;

Good design is durable;

Good design is consequent to the last detail;

Good design is concerned with the environment;

Good design is as little design as possible.

The interesting thing was the majority of the class had the same feelings that this video reminded us of IKEA products, except the “durable” seems not match with the brand. Should a well-designed product meet all the above criteria? Not really. Everyone knows that IKEA is usually criticized for the quality issue, but this brand is still very popular around the world. I personally think it is mainly because of its aesthetics, being consequent to the last detail and concerned with the environment which were mentioned in the above principles, and certainly, the low price, another very important factor. Thus, my assumption is the notion of good design has no unique connotation, it might be different for individuals. It is also concerned with the “need” and “want” and all depends on if it meets your needs and if you really want it.

It is unrealistic to look for a perfect or “one size fits all” product in the world, especially for the digital productions produced by the fast-developed technologies. Thinking of the laptop, I am sure even though you have already owned a Mac, you still have another PC or other digital product at home as a good supplementary. You might also want or desire to have an updated one in the coming three or four years, maybe the time will be shorter than this. I bought a smaller and very portable laptop (PC) early last year, but only in one and half year, I am now considering replacing it by a Mac. Thus, today, I consulted with Connie and Scott in the class for the comparisons of Mac and IPad, as each of them brought both Mac and Ipad to the class and used them at the same time. I know it sounds ridiculous to compare their differences, but I really need others’ suggestions to help me make the final decision, to buy either a Mac, or both Mac and IPad. After the discussion with them, I found Mac might be the one I truly need, but I still cannot resist the temptation of IPad. That is my hard fighting with “want” and “need”.  I once imagine to buy one laptop that is “one size fits all” (also for saving the money in the pocketJ), but it is too idealistic. We users usually fall behind the technology and are more likely to be allured. Just count that how long IPad 1 was updated to IPad 2 after its first launch. When we still enjoy IPad 2, it is said IPad 3 will be released in the end of this year. Undoubtedly, we are going to struggle with a new cycle of the “need” and “want”!

Here, I also want to introduce three interesting books that were recommended in Dr. Michele Jocobsen’s classes of last Fall and this Winter. They are talking about good design for digital and interactive productions.

Vicente, K. (2006). The Human Factor:  Revolutionizing the Way People Live with Technology. Taylor and Francis. ISBN:  13:9780415978910

Norman, D. (2005). Emotional Design:  Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things. Perseus Books Group. ISBN:  13:9780465051366

Preece, J., Rogers, Y., & Sharp, H. (2002 / 2007 – 2nd edition). Interaction design: Beyond human-computer interaction. John Wiley & Sons, Inc: New York. ISBN: 0-471-49278-7.