An exercise in surrealism

Using the sub conscious mind images were created from a circle, square or triangle. My 8 and 10 year old also gave it a go... see if you can see the difference .

A second exercise using a free drawing style over a grid of points also inspired by surrealist influence.

The point of these two exercises is to open your mind and create without any specific direction, a good idea before we begin designing the logo for the up coming exhibition.

Gestault images... filling in the blanks

Gestalt theory

" In both the perceiving and visually representing the natural organisation of object, we are supported by the mind's powerful ability to detect and form patterns". John Maeda , " The laws of simplicity".

The gestalt method can be described by examples such as: a half drawn image ( like "Mr squiggle", a children's show) , you can fill in the blank in your mind. For example, a half drawn star, you know how to complete. Also the popular 3D image picture books that are full of complex images that you then identify the picture within or the pattern that lies beneath the complex image.

The Gestalt theory can be utilised by designers by squinting at an object or design in order to identify aesthetics that may not be noticed otherwise. The theory suggests that by seeing less you see more.

Body language and communication

Communication takes part in many ways, not only with language. Some of our strongest communication takes place without any words, with a hint of a raised eyebrow, a yawn, a slouch, pursed lips, avoided eye contact, quivering lips, wide open eyes, an intense stare... all of these hints can be as small as momentary but communicate an what the individual feels.

Non Verbal communication may be used for good or evil..

Good non verbal communication may involve steady eye contact during a conversation, a smile, a nod, a hand shake, allowing the other person a comfortable amount of body space and having a welcoming presence.

Evil non verbal communication is the opposite of the above points, and More. Looking distracted during a conversation and not maintaining eye contact, yawning, doing other things while you are being spoken to, shrugging your shoulders, pursing lips, holding a frown, glaring or by reducing the personal space of the other person.

Different cultures may interpret some non verbal communication differently. Head shaking in India is not a NO gesture, but an indication that they are listening to you. A nod may mean Yes, but is also a sign of respect in some countries when done slowly and thoughtfully.

Organisation

• step 1: Brainstorm... the name of the exhibition with the relevant parties AND brainstorm all of the factors that need to be considered for the exhibition.
• step 2 : Mind maps... are created incorporating all of the relevant information that is necessary when planning this event. The mind map groups information into areas which will help when we organise and prioritise the tasks at hand.
• step 3: Organise...Now we have the lists of jobs to be performed we need to organise them. We can use the SLIP method, suggested by John Maeda from "The laws of simplicity". S-sort, L-label, I-Integrate, P-Prioritise. First we sort and list all of the tasks, second, we label or identify the categories that the tasks fall into ( see mind map), thirdly, we integrate similar groups of tasks to create fewer categories, and lastly, we prioritise the order in which those tasks take place.

A mind map is useful when identifying components of the exhibition.

Week Two

The class opened with a few communication exercises to test the our ability to follow instructions. We discussed the many forms of communication other than through speech and conducted an exercise communicating without speech, using only signing and mumbling.

A discussion about the first chapter in "The Laws of Simplicity" followed. The "Reduce" issue and the meanings behind " SHE".

• Shrink: technology is shrinking, consumers generally have a low expectation of small items and so when a small item is found to house great qualities and functions the consumer is very easily impressed, the ipod for example.
• Hide: The swiss army knife for example, is a sleek design with all the functions hidden. Hiding the complexity of a design to make it seem simple is extremely appealing.
• Embodied. In design we try to fit as many features into a small package, then we hide the complexity of the design to make it appear simple. Next we embody it in an apealing package.

IDEO and The Deep Dive

The class were enlightened by a Youtube video about the Design Firm IDEO and "The Deep Dive", in which the viewer is shown the processes the design group go through when a new design project is started. They have a unique office space and ideology to their process, utilising team of multi-disciplinary individuals to create the design.

The process encouraged wild brainstorming with post-it notes on a wall, then voting and categorising the remaining ideas. Research was then conducted by each individual and the results were brought back to the group for analysis.

A work motto is " Fail Often to succeed sooner". The team are encouraged to play, to be open

minded, to experiment, and to think outside the square.

www.ideo.com