Assignment one

Assignment one samples

The assignment was to select an example of a quality design (this can be either virtual or tangible). You may bring in either the actual example or a photograph (digital or physical). The list below is in alphabetical order by last name. Click on the link to see an image of the object.

Andrew Aboudaoud	I chose my favorite digital camera as an example of a quality design. There are several reasons why I believe it is of well conceived design. The main points are: 1) This camera is rather hefty, not a little, lightweight camera that would easily slip from your hand. This one fits into my right hand almost perfectly. 2) The controls are very intuitive. The shutter button is easily accessed by the index finger, and the zoom is controlled by this finger as well, just in front of the shutter button. A thumb wheel with obvious and easily discernible symbols controls the camera's mode selection. The menu button and control arrows are in thumb range as well, allowing for quick one-handed setting changes. 3) The viewfinder is located as far left as possible to allow for plenty of clearance between the user's hand and face when taking pictures. Directly under the viewfinder is a screen which can also be used as a viewfinder or to review the pictures. 4) The flash is built in, a button on top of the camera is pushed to allow the flash bulb to "pop up". This way, you know right away whether or not the flash will come on when you take the picture. When not in use, the flash is out of the way and protected from snags on clothing or the like, or in case of a drop. 5) A "rail" is located vertically on the right side of the camera directly under the user's fingertips. This gives the feeling of confidence when handling the camera. 6) The overall design is very attractive to me; the colors used are also very nice and compliment each other well. 7) The software menus on the camera are very user-friendly, and in an order that one would expect. Menus are descending with the most important ones first, such as the display language and picture size. 8) A diagram is given on the bottom of the camera showing which way to insert the rechargeable batteries. This is very helpful as I can never remember which way they go in!! Olympus, well done on the design of this camera! As a side note, it takes great pictures as well... :)
Russell Collison	I feel this toaster has a nice sleek and consistent design. The dials, button and lever are all rounded and monochromatically colored. This sets them apart from the white base paint while not interfering with the usually neutral kitchen color scheme. Each control shows a good deal of visibility by intuitive labeling and mostly singular functionality. There is a natural mapping between the toast lowering into the heating area and the lever which controls that action. This lever also allows the toast or bagel to be raised above the normal level so that it can be removed more easily.
Cristina Escutia	I chose the Super Nintendo Entertainment System not only for its nostalgic qualities that harken to a simpler day where one "joystick" and 4 primary buttons were enough, thank you very much, but also because looking around my bedroom, it was one of the few objects that I knew 100% how to use. The controller hookups are curved on one end and straight-edged on the other, therefore there is only one way to plug a controller in. There is a power light to signal when the system is on, and the power button has an arrow to point in which direction you should slide it turn the SNES on. The coolest design element in my opinion is the Eject lever that pops up the game cartridge. You push down on the lever and the cartridge pops up; if that's not visibility and natural mapping, I don't know what is.
Lynn Hartley	My object was the pasta spoon. The features that made me like its design are: The general spoon shape and length, which are useful for stirring, collecting, and not burning oneself in the process. The claw sides of the spoon, which can be used to keep pasta from melting to the bottom of the pot, and help with removing both small and long pasta from the pot (both before and after draining). The holes at the bottom of the spoon that perform a colander’s function on a smaller scale (particularly useful when you are testing a tiny amount of pasta to see if the whole bowl is done). The material used in design, which is a type of plastic that hasn’t melted under duress and hasn’t absorbed the color of the various pasta sauces that it has encountered.
Philip Hendrix	Water towers example
Danny Hummel	DVD case - First off, this design is good because an expected result is provided for people who know how to handle DVD's, by allowing one to push down in the hole in the center of the DVD to allow the DVD's release and provide a seamless way to handle the disc correctly (i.e. grabbing the DVD with the thumb on the outer rim and a middle or index finger in the center hole). The design is simple enough to find the correct use upon first using it, as well as being easy to remember how to continue using the case in later instances. The case holds the literature and disc in very well, without being obtrusive or bulky. It opens as expected, and will not open so easily that it is loses functionality (because it won't stay shut). I don't think the designers had a tough time designing this model, but I do think that it is probably one of the best designs out there, as there are two or three others which don't hold the materials in very well, are bulkier, or don't give the proper affordance / expected result of handling the disc when removing it from the case. All in all, this is a good, simple, and effective design.
Brandon Jones	The particular building I chose stood out primarily for its aesthetics. It stands in stark contrast to conventional, boxy highrise designs. More specifically though, it is also designed to accomodate businesses on the first 5 floors, as well as low, medium, and high cost housing as you go up in height. I also like how it is designed to integrate well into the surrounding environment, causing as little environmental damage as possible. It integrates solar-powered water heating, wind turbines to generate power for lights and lifts, and photovoltaic glass to generate energy for individual rooms. Designers estimate it will consume only 44% of the energy a similarly sized conventional highrise would use.
Russell Kalmoe	Digital audio recorder: Simple design. The button controls use symbols that everyone recognizes from VCR's and other audio and visual devices. Because of this, without any other previous experience of the recorder, I was able to operate it based on knowledge I already had. Unlike some other digital devices manufacturers who focus on new options with less buttons, the maker of this recorder focused on usability.
David Mason	I brought in my electronic key fob for work. It is a relatively new type of electronic key card in the shape of a tear drop approximately two inches long, as wide as a quarter, and about as thick as a pencil. I think it is a good design for several reasons. Many of these reasons go against some of the common principles of good design as expressed by Norman, but I think that is why it is a good design. Norman believes that any well defined object's function should be given to the user through subtle visual cues given by the object. In this case, there are no visual cues, because the object doesn't even resemble an access card (think white piece of plastic approx. the size of a driver's license). It's shape gives no clue as to how to use it. Further, if you were to figure out that it was an access card, it has no identifable markings that indicate where the building is that it opens doors to. This makes the card secure. Also, I feel that it offers several improvements over a standard physical key. The electronic key is easily deactivated. For instance, should I be fired from my job, should I lose the card, etc, they simply have to deactivate my key card in order to precvent the risk of some unknown person (or an ex-employee with a gridge) having access to their facilities. There is no cost to 'change the locks'. Secondly, access levels can be customized to suit job responsibility. The secretary's card can be given access only to the main door, the tech guy gets access to the server room, etc, without having to have a locksmith setup multiple physical keys and physical locks. Last of all the card is not easily reproducable. With a physical key I coudl make a copy to give to friend or keep to use for my own nefarious purposes (LAN parties on weekends in the NOC). Not so with the electronic one. I also feel it's a better design than the standard issue key card because it is smaller and less obtrusive. Again, it is also less identifiable as a key card if I lose it.
Candace McCoy	I chose a braun coffeemaker for its simple, easy to use design. it has the following features: 1. it makes 2 full mugs off coffee (no wasted coffee) 2. it's easy to use (just fill pot to top with water and pour in machine) 3. you can remove the pot while it is brewing, to pour a cup of coffee 4. reusable metal filter 5. filter door swings open to easily add coffee to filter 6. the filter door is removable for easy cleanup. 7. attractive design, takes up little cabinet space 8. coffee is always perfect temperature 9. periodically makes clicking noise to remind you that it is on, and has bright red "on" light 10. slot in back of coffee maker to store unused part of electrical cord in machine
Kameco Mitchell	I decided to use my cellular phone for my object. It is the Nokia 7250. One of the key things I looked for when starting my search was phone that I could have for a good while and not have to worry about it being outdated in a few months when the newest model came out. I end up finding so much more in researching and purchasing my phone. I love it for MANY reasons but here are a few: Almost nobody has it!...Yay! The sleek design and the way everything fits perfectly so that it's up with technology but not a bulky and/or ugly phone. The Camera...I know every phone has a camera these days but mine is beautifully worked into the design. Many people can never tell I have a camera but are amazed when they finally find out. The Radio...need I say more. There is a radio on my phone. I don't know how much kewler it could be. :) The phone was easily able to work with my service and the inside antenna is great with reception. The way they presented it on the website when I first looked it up a few months ago was great. Even the models were sexy and sleek like the phone. I loved the music as well.
Daviz Pham	The Swiss Army Knife – As an example of remarkable design, I chose the universally-recognized Swiss Army knife for its functionality, durability, and quality. The knife is available in different models, varying in price and number of tools. Essentially a small hand-held pocketknife, it also houses compartments for various other tools such as a smaller blade, can opener, cap lifter, reamer and punch, key ring, tweezers, toothpick, scissors, and Phillips screwdriver. The Swiss Army Knife’s design is simple to use and easy to understand, utilizing fingernail notches to access each tool. Visibility and mapping are strong suits in its patented design--one can reasonably expect it to perform as it is designed. Furthermore, it is solidly constructed and difficult to break. Its worldwide recognition is a testament to its usability, convenience, and durability.
Todd Plunk	For my example of good, simple design I brought a key chain flashlight. This device has a simple design and is easy to use. By a simple squeeze in the middle portion to operate, it doesn't need any directions. The way the flashlight is designed only allows for its designed use. The light is also very bright and allows ample light for any use.
Elise Taylor	Why do I enjoy my wallet so much? * It's generally easy to tell the purpose of it. The keychain is a bright metal, and the wallet is black. Ergo, you can quickly see it's a keychain. * Upon exploring the actual item, there is a clear space both inside and outside, making it easier for your two most important items - in my case, two forms of identification - to be seen easily. * Finally, it is multipurpose. In addition to ID (and other item) storage, there are also compartments to keep change and monies in, eliminating the need for an additional changepurse.
Manoj Thomas	I chose my alarm clock for my object of design interest. Although very simple, one function that it's able to do has proved to be great for me - the cover for the buttons. Somehow I've always managed to push several buttons when attempting to turn of my alarm or hit the "snooze" button, which in turn usually changed at least one of the settings (like the actual time). The alarm clock I brought in can fit in the palm of your hand and has a cover that protects all the buttons from inadvertent pushes. In fact, the only button available to push is the snooze. Also, another design point I like is the size of the clock. It's small enough that I can take it with me on trips and big enough that it won't get lost under the covers of my bed. Lastly, when I push the snooze button to temporarily turn off my alarm, the Indiglo light automatically turns on for a few seconds, too, giving me a chance to see what the actual time is!
Erin Welch	What I really like about the design of this cover is that the image is not over shadowed by text and this allows the design to draw the reader in. Most magazine covers are crowded with text down both sides of the central image. Concentrating more on an emotional and intriguing image differentiates the magazine from the others in the same rack too, making it more likely to be noticed, picked up and ultimately purchased. Also, the sharp contrast of the lime green contemporary logo on a softer blue background makes the text pop up at a potential reader.
Tameka Wilson	The reason why I like the design of my engagement ring: It comes with a wedding set that the engaement ring sits inside. That way, when I take off the rings (to wash dishes) the set won't come apart. That reduces the risk of me losing parts of the ring. It is scratch free! The main stone sits on top of an adjustable plate (only the factory can adjust it). That way, whenever we want to get a larger stone for anniversaries, we won't have to buy a new ring altogather.