1. After this class is over, I will definitely use a more critical eye when purchasing items. I also now see everything as designed. No longer are experiences just as is, I look at the design implications that go along with it. Even if I make the same choices I will have a better understanding for why I do so.
2. I would advise all first years to keep their doors open when in their rooms. This allows many people to see you and to easily meet new people in your hall. I would also advise first years to get involved in something and spend time outside of the dorm room. I think it is important to spend time out the dorm and meet people, whether in the library, Hicks or the Cavern. I would also advise first years to take a variety of classes.
3. I would tell a student in this seminar to make sure to do all the blog posts and participate in discussion. Also I would advise them to work on papers in advance.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
11/21 "The Brief Wadsworth Handbook"
1. My tentative thesis is The Anderson Gymnasium Weight Room current design is set up in such a way that it is very difficult to work out comfortably, both due to space constraints and reflective expectations tied with a gym area.
2. Some of the constraints I plan to address include the space constraints. Other constraints include price, location, the existing structure, and athletes’ needs. The trigger points include the equipment, both availability and variety. Other trigger points include usability and ease of use.
3. The Design of Everyday Things, Emotional Designs, The Experience Architect, Simplicity is Highly Overrated, Principles of Marketing
4. “These questions are all cultural. There is nothing practical, nothing biological about the answers. The answers are conventions, learned in whatever society you inhabit.”
2. Some of the constraints I plan to address include the space constraints. Other constraints include price, location, the existing structure, and athletes’ needs. The trigger points include the equipment, both availability and variety. Other trigger points include usability and ease of use.
3. The Design of Everyday Things, Emotional Designs, The Experience Architect, Simplicity is Highly Overrated, Principles of Marketing
4. “These questions are all cultural. There is nothing practical, nothing biological about the answers. The answers are conventions, learned in whatever society you inhabit.”
Sunday, November 16, 2008
11.17 Campus Analysis
1. I observed the Biggy Café/ The Book Club at Kalamazoo College. I observed Sunday night at 9 pm. The purpose is to provide coffee and a place for students to hang out.
2. a) Biggy’s has light brown walls with a warm undertone. It has a comfortable feeling.
b) There is both table and chairs for more upright sitting and also couches and comfy chairs. All the seating is moveable, but is set up with two areas for the comfy seating and then tables and chairs grouped together.
c) There was an influx of people but it usually was around 15 people in the area either waiting for coffee or chatting.
d) The floor was a gray tile with various shades of blues.
e) The sound level was quieter with some background music and chatter.
f) There were a variety of materials used including wood, stone, drywall and fabric.
3. It gives off a more laid back, chill feel. This is displayed in the warm tones used and comfy seating. The soft music adds to the relaxed mood. It is a calm place without being to serious. People are there socializing or doing homework. The school probably wanted to a place where students could relax without feeling the immediate pressure of the library.
4. Some people clearly came or met up in groups while other were working alone, usually with headphones on. There was a good bit of pleasantries exchanged when friends were seen in the area. The influx of people in and out of Biggy’s allowed for the sense of movement and avoids any feelings of exclusivity. Many people made themselves at home by putting their feet up on end tables and taking shoes off.
5. The fact that Biggy’s was not directly exposed to anyone walking into the library was somewhat surprising considering the limited visibility.
2. a) Biggy’s has light brown walls with a warm undertone. It has a comfortable feeling.
b) There is both table and chairs for more upright sitting and also couches and comfy chairs. All the seating is moveable, but is set up with two areas for the comfy seating and then tables and chairs grouped together.
c) There was an influx of people but it usually was around 15 people in the area either waiting for coffee or chatting.
d) The floor was a gray tile with various shades of blues.
e) The sound level was quieter with some background music and chatter.
f) There were a variety of materials used including wood, stone, drywall and fabric.
3. It gives off a more laid back, chill feel. This is displayed in the warm tones used and comfy seating. The soft music adds to the relaxed mood. It is a calm place without being to serious. People are there socializing or doing homework. The school probably wanted to a place where students could relax without feeling the immediate pressure of the library.
4. Some people clearly came or met up in groups while other were working alone, usually with headphones on. There was a good bit of pleasantries exchanged when friends were seen in the area. The influx of people in and out of Biggy’s allowed for the sense of movement and avoids any feelings of exclusivity. Many people made themselves at home by putting their feet up on end tables and taking shoes off.
5. The fact that Biggy’s was not directly exposed to anyone walking into the library was somewhat surprising considering the limited visibility.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
11.14 Principles of Marketing
1. Design affects marketing by influencing the interpretation of the marketing strategy. The design is used to display different marketing ideas. Design allows for brands and iconic design to take shape. It is also important for design to be viscerally appealing since consumers usually by items based on instinct purchases. The design of packaging is also very important for marketing. Packaging must be functional as well as appealing.
2. Although marketing could be considered an experience, it is a quick, usually subconscious experience. Experience is usually a conscious and longer lasting time experience. Marketing does discuss the augmented product level, which includes the experiences discussed by Kelly. The augmented product level includes things such as delivery, installation, warranty and any after sale services.
3. The brand of Kalamazoo College is made up a few different insignias. There is the Kalamazoo hornet mascot, the ‘K’ symbol and the ‘ZOO’ insignia. These three designs usually are applied on a variety of Kalamazoo apparel and accessories. The brand is displayed at a variety of locations across campus including the Biggby mugs and the ‘K’ above the entrance to Hick’s. The Kalamazoo brand is not very widespread, but is very popular within the campus and the city. There is not much of a market outside of Kalamazoo, so they don’t tend to advertise beyond the area. There apparel is available online so theoretically anyone could access the products. The ‘K’ brand has a wide variety of styles for the wide variety of students that come to Kalamazoo.
2. Although marketing could be considered an experience, it is a quick, usually subconscious experience. Experience is usually a conscious and longer lasting time experience. Marketing does discuss the augmented product level, which includes the experiences discussed by Kelly. The augmented product level includes things such as delivery, installation, warranty and any after sale services.
3. The brand of Kalamazoo College is made up a few different insignias. There is the Kalamazoo hornet mascot, the ‘K’ symbol and the ‘ZOO’ insignia. These three designs usually are applied on a variety of Kalamazoo apparel and accessories. The brand is displayed at a variety of locations across campus including the Biggby mugs and the ‘K’ above the entrance to Hick’s. The Kalamazoo brand is not very widespread, but is very popular within the campus and the city. There is not much of a market outside of Kalamazoo, so they don’t tend to advertise beyond the area. There apparel is available online so theoretically anyone could access the products. The ‘K’ brand has a wide variety of styles for the wide variety of students that come to Kalamazoo.
Monday, November 10, 2008
11.12 "The Experience Architect"
1. This reading discussed the importance of coming up with innovative and creative ideas. It was important as an 'experience architect' to be able to look at experience and see how they can be made better. Even small changes can make huge differences. It is important to have a personality when providing an experience as well as to be genuine and real.
2. Consumer products focus much more on the behavioral aspect and the concrete aspect of a product. Consumer products are tangible. The design elements related to best consumer design are much bigger aspects such as usability, appearance and function. The design of experiences focuses more on an abstract concept. This focus on the abstract means design focuses on details that improve upon systems already implemented. Good experience design and consumer design both focus on meeting all the consumers need and wants.
3. A social community building idea based off ideas presented in the article would be to have an official first day of snow, sledding gathering on the quad. Obviously there would need to be adequate snow cover. If Christmas music/ winter music would play and hot beverages were provided, that would further add to the experience. It would be even better if everyone was able to use a tray from the cafeteria to sled, since that is an iconic part of sledding in college. For those that didn't want to sled there could be a snowman making competition.
2. Consumer products focus much more on the behavioral aspect and the concrete aspect of a product. Consumer products are tangible. The design elements related to best consumer design are much bigger aspects such as usability, appearance and function. The design of experiences focuses more on an abstract concept. This focus on the abstract means design focuses on details that improve upon systems already implemented. Good experience design and consumer design both focus on meeting all the consumers need and wants.
3. A social community building idea based off ideas presented in the article would be to have an official first day of snow, sledding gathering on the quad. Obviously there would need to be adequate snow cover. If Christmas music/ winter music would play and hot beverages were provided, that would further add to the experience. It would be even better if everyone was able to use a tray from the cafeteria to sled, since that is an iconic part of sledding in college. For those that didn't want to sled there could be a snowman making competition.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
11.10 The Third Place
1. The 'third place' is an area for casual comfortable conversation. It is separate from the work place and home and provides a sense of community.
2. The third place must be a more intimate, small space. It appeals to the reflective design, with a homey feel. The use of less lighting aid in a more intimate appeal. The third place needs a good location that is somewhat central, but is distinct from work and home areas.
3. I think the Cavern has potential to be a third place. It is not in a academic building and has the proper lighting and seating. It also offers cookies and tea. It needs to be better advertised as a place to chill, instead of being seen as just a place for spirituality. It could also have soft music playing to add to the ambiance.
2. The third place must be a more intimate, small space. It appeals to the reflective design, with a homey feel. The use of less lighting aid in a more intimate appeal. The third place needs a good location that is somewhat central, but is distinct from work and home areas.
3. I think the Cavern has potential to be a third place. It is not in a academic building and has the proper lighting and seating. It also offers cookies and tea. It needs to be better advertised as a place to chill, instead of being seen as just a place for spirituality. It could also have soft music playing to add to the ambiance.
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