Designing with pencils and paper
December 22, 2006
I refer to myself as a designer but day in day out I find myself doing less of what most people would consider design. Nowadays most of the design I do is with lead pencils and scrap pieces of A4 or even with a word processor.
“But isn’t design about presentation?”
It sure is! But its also much more than that. For instance, when someone designs a toaster they don’t just consider how it will look on your bench top. They have to:
- Ensure it can withstand large amounts of heat without melting.
- Make sure it does not pop up too fast and throw your toasty friends onto the floor. Butter side down of course!
- Think about how the toaster can be cleaned easily and safely.
- Meet design and safety standards in whichever country the toaster will be sold in.
- Be able to source the materials and manufacture them at a reasonable price.
The above points are problems that need solutions and therefore design at a pure level. Most of this happens before Photoshop is opened.
So next time someone tells you they are a Designer or are studying Design what they actually do might surprise you.
Comments on this article »
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It also requires some common sense. I was asked why I didn’t add accessibility for screen readers to a site about cars and their subsequent information.
Personally I don’t see a lot of blind people driving round…
P.S I have recently aquired a Giant TCR Aero 2 with many upgrades. Cycling to work ftw.
Written by Benjamin on the December 26, 2006
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Good point Benjamin. I agree with you.
But just to pay devil’s advocate… What about blind people who are doing research on a new car that they might be buying with their partner who is able to drive?
Nice work on getting the new bike and riding to work.
Written by admin on the December 29, 2006
