1/27 T

Good Design:

I think most simply stated, good design is improving the product, not making it different.

OXO Good grips are such a successful design. They solved a problem for arthritic sufferers everywhere. The product was improved and a new brand language was born, establishing a stong and clear brand identity for OXO.
http://www.smartdesignworldwide.com/work/project.php?id=102

1/22 H

my portfolio:

http://www.uc.edu/propractice/ind_design/Starnes_Amanda_09.pdf

I really enjoy this woman's work, its mainly shoes. I love the simple illustrations and graphic element. Simple yet conveys the concept and nice clean illustrations.

http://www.coroflot.com/public/individual_file.asp?individual_id=173296&portfolio_id=1598997&specialty=15&c=1&

This shows one of her shoe designs, its a great page and really sells the shoe I think. Good stuff.

1/20 T

So, here is some new (some not so new) technologies that I came across doing some research.

1. Gesture Based Remote Control
So, this basically allows you to control your computer, or certain functions by motions or hand and body gestures. The idea would be to have a camera, to watch the user and react accordingly. There are some systems existing, but with limited use, such as reading a few different hand motions.

2. Google's Desktop Operating System
Basically Google would do everything, as if it doesnt already? Google Chrome is the name, although some people are saying its just a glorified browser.

3. USB 3.0
Ideally increasing the performance and power efficiency, processing about the equivalent of a CD-R disc every second. They are expected to be still compatible with USB 2.0 plugs. This would mean faster charging times for ipod and other gadgets, consumer products are expected sometime in 2010.

1/15 H

I have no idea what my all time favorite movie trailer is, but one that really drew me in is the Seven Pounds (2008) trailer. I remember seeing it first, at a theater before another movie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9nn0eKwxHY

The trailer really makes you want to watch the movie, it only gives you a tiny bit of information. Its title Seven Pounds, is pretty ambiguous, which number 1 makes it that much more interesting. The trailer says a bit about the number seven and eludes that Will Smith, the lead, is involved with seven people. But the trailer never reveals the significance of the number seven.
The fact that the trailer has Will Smith in it, number 2, is a home run as far as convincing me to see the movie. I like the range of emotions displayed, a couple of dramatic shots of Will Smith crying will win any girl over.
I have yet to see the movie, but haven't forgotten about it, because the trailer was so impressive.

1/13 T

On my last co-op, my main project was for Kleenex, so I became pretty well-versed on the brand.

Kleenex is definitely a brand that communicates a clear and strong message. The brand has been around for a good while, and is still a front runner in the market. Kleenex does great at having unified packages, especially with their graphics. There is a sudelty about the brand, and a comfort. There is a quiet confidence about the product, a comfort of having the product in your home. It doesn't overwhelm the home environment, it just compliments it.
If you've seen the Kleenex commercials, you are familar with the 'Let it Out' campaign. If not, take a look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf7lQ9b6cZQ&feature=related

The ad really hits home with people, it does a bang up job of creating an emotional bond.
I remember being really impressed by the commericals, they aren't overdone or in-your-face about the product. They just make you feel better watching one!
I believe I can improve my individual projects especially if I just have a main selling point. Its really hard to tell a story without a main character, and that translates quite well for design too. You've got to have a focus or the story (or design) will go nowhere fast. So, I need to make sure I have a key driver, and then a few sub points.

1/8 H

So, I was searching around for posts about general portfolio design and came across this one.
Portfolio 101: Just Use Your Own Name, Dammit

I like how blunt it is, the person has a point and straight up made it. I absolutely agree, don't over dress your portfolio. Why not use your name? That is kind of the point, to get your name out there so people recognize your work. No one is going to remember who's work belongs to "Reflections".

1/6 T

I am a 4th year Industrial Design student at the University of Cincinnati. I have work experience with a few companies through our co-op program. I have worked for Hasbro in the Playskool division, Whirlpool, and Kimberly-Clark. My most recent job experience is for Kimberly Clark, which I was there a total of 2 terms, about 6 moths. I was designing for their Family Care category, specifically for Kleenex.

I hope to achieve 3 goals this school term.
1. I want to gain more confidence in my work and give convincing and strong presentations. The only way to do this is to PRACTICE. The more I talk about my work to people, the more comfortable I will become giving presentations.
2. I want to better represent my designs and ideas visually, through renderings and drawings. I want to learn how to use Illustrator and Photoshop to produce some great illustrations, beyond the basic tools.
3. I want to really dive into the research part of my project this term, and be able to successfully backup my designs. I am very interested in Design Research and would like to learn more on how to gain useful knowledge and really apply/integrate it with my work.