Design Studies - Assignment 2

For assignment 2 we had to read all the Wiki entries from our study group and leave a comment on each of them. We were required to state what we learned from the wiki page and what could have been done to make it better. Below is the feedback I gave my group members.

Sarah Finnigan – Education and Design

Prior to reading this entry I was aware of the terms special education and additional support needs. However, I believed these to be systems set up primarily for children with disabilities or learning difficulties such as autism. It was interesting therefore, to discover that additional support extends to social issues such as ethnicity, mental illness and family life.

The background information was helpful to gain an insight into the history of education and how it has evolved over recent years. Key dates and approaches were mentioned which helped to visualise the progress, which has been made over the years.

In relation to design this Wiki page has taught me how creative thinking has been applied to both the educational system, teaching tools and the learning environment. Finding out about sensory rooms and educational facilities designed to teach life skills such as cooking and gardening was something I found particularly interesting, and an area I would like to learn about further.

Therefore if I could suggest a way to improve this Wiki entry it would be to discuss this subject in more depth, in particular, highlighting the role of designers in this process. It may have been beneficial to know what types of designers work with education professionals to develop these unique learning centres, is it mainly product designers or does it incorporate the work of graphic/ textile specialists?


Connie Lou – Fair Trade and Design

Fair Trade is relatively well known and I had a good understanding of why it was set up, the range of products available and where these goods can be purchased prior to reading this entry. However I was unaware of the history of the movement, where it began and the organisations behind its existence.

Reading the history section of this wiki page was very helpful; by highlighting only the key stages of the movement’s development it was both informative and easy to understand. It taught me about the work undertaken prior to the organisations set up, as well as the key bodies involved in its establishment. I was surprised to learn that Fair Trade is made up of four separate groups that work together to achieve one common goal.

Connections were made between Fair Trade and textile design. I particularly liked the mention of fashion companies who both use and produce products ethically. It was also interesting to learn about current moves to get Fair Trade into the High Street in order to get more members of the public aware and on board.

If I had to suggest ways in which this Wiki page could be made better I would ask for more information on the role of the designer in relation to Fair Trade. Perhaps a mention of the problems and issues textile designers face when trying to create a ethically produced design. Could also discuss the relationship between designers and the organisation, explaining how designers get their designs certified as Fair Trade.

Graeme Kennedy - Biosphere and Technosphere

I was reading the vast majority of the information, on this Wiki page, for the first time, therefore this entry has given me a basic understanding of the biosphere and technosphere. The language used was new to me but everything was explained in simple terms making the subject easier to understand.

The background information was useful as it discussed the subjects in more depth and related them to one and other. It was interesting to learn about the role we, as humans, play in the bigger picture of things. This entry has informed me that developments in technology, introduction of mass production and a changing consumer culture has put a strain on our natural resources.

The questions asked towards the end of the entry do make you think about the role that we play as designers. It made me think about the impact we have on the planet, and what changes we can make to prevent further damage.

In order to improve this Wiki page I would suggest mentioning examples of work, that have already been produced, in response to these environmental concerns. It would be useful to highlight the role of the designer in this process, discussing the steps they have to undertake, types of materials they would have to adopt and problems they would challenge. I would have also liked to know whether this is a problem affecting all areas of design. If so, how would graphic designers, textile designers and jewellery designers tackle such issues.


Jennifer King – Interactivity and Design

The term interactivity and design conjured up images of computer software and products created with the latest advancements of technology. However what this wiki entry has taught me is that the term refers to an interactive experience, it encompasses everything a person interacts with. I now know this does not just relate to digital experiences but also includes products, services and environments.

I found the history section very interesting; learning about the types of interactive design that has been created over the years. I am now aware that everything from pre-historic tools right through to the Internet are pieces of interactive design.

Interactivity in relation to design was well explained. Each step of the process, which interactive designers, go through was discussed clearly. Both the initial considerations and latter physical developments/ tests designers have to deal with were mentioned in detail.

I think this wiki page could have been better if it contained a few more illustrations. It would have been good to see examples of the range of interactive design available. Personally, I would have been interested to learn a little more about the relationship between interactive design and environments, as this is an area that was briefly mentioned, and I know little about.

Ruth Hill – Environmental Sustainability and Design

The definition of environmental sustainability was broken down and explained clearly. I was aware of the term previously, but now know that there is an emphasis placed on designing solutions not only for this generation, but also for the needs of future generations.

The history section of this entry was very helpful as it was easy to understand. It informed me of the various forms of environmental degradation that exist, and what led to their existence. I have learned that hygiene, the ‘chemical industry’ and the industrial revolution were all factors in the degradation of the environment. It was also interesting to learn that our consumer culture plays a major part in this problem, therefore if poorer countries were ever to obtain this quality of life then it would have a devastating impact on the environment.

In relation to design, many of the current environmental designs that exist, were described, with recycling, solar panels and wind power being discussed in depth.
Mention was also given to what considerations designers will have to address in order to create sustainable products. It was good to learn about these subjects as it highlighted the need for well-designed products, which will hopefully solve the problems we, as society, have created.

In order to improve this Wiki entry I think more information could have been given about the role of the designer. I would have liked to know whether designers have to work closely with other agencies/ professional bodies and whether or not they have to meet certain guidelines.

I really liked the image of the handbag made from recycled materials, therefore it would also have been good to see/ read about some of the more unusual products that have been developed in relation to this growing concern.

Aisla McCreadie – Greenwash and Design

Greenwash was a term I had heard of, but wasn’t entirely sure what it meant. Reading the summary section of this Wiki entry has helped me to understand the term fully. It also informed me about the methods that companies use to promote themselves as ‘green.’ I now know that the use of certain words, symbols and imagery are used specifically to create a ‘green’ image.

The history section was also helpful in gaining some background knowledge on this subject. It mentioned key dates in the history of green washing which helped me to visualise its development over time.

It was interesting to learn that over half of ‘green’ advertisements have at least one misleading claim. It was also surprising to find out that this is due to the fact that there are few regulations in place to prevent companies making false claims.

However what I also picked up on from reading this entry is that companies are selling their products as ‘green’ in response to the growing concern for the environment amongst the public. Examples of companies and the green washing techniques they adopt were also highlighted.

If I had to suggest a way in which this entry could be improved it would be to mention whether or not this is an issue which effects other types of designers, not just graphic/ packaging designers. The question was asked; whether designers are responsible for green-washing consumers? Therefore it would have been good to learn of any design agencies who refuse to work with certain companies, opt only to work with actual green companies or choose to produce work which highlights these issues.


David Smith – Design Thinking and Design

I was aware of the term design thinking and how it is related to the design process prior to reading this entry. However reading this definition was helpful as it informed me that term refers to more than the development of a creative solution, it deals with physical and emotional aspects as well as business and marketing opportunities.

I did regard design thinking as a modern concept, however the history section, of this entry, has taught me otherwise. It made me aware that design thinking has been around as long as man walked the earth and continues to be applied to designs today. This section also confirmed that design thinking is applied to make things better, not merely for aesthetic value or profit alone.

It was also interesting to learn about the misconception that good designs are developed after an eureka moment, when in fact designers have to undertake a process of development which requires the consideration of many different aspects.

In order to improve this Wiki page I would have had additional images, showing some of the products/ services that have been successfully developed over the years. It would have also been good to learn about what challenges designers face now that there is a need to produce ethical design. What steps do they have to go through to produce designs that show good design thinking? Finally in order to create good designs do designers work alone, or are they encouraged to work collaboratively with other designers, companies and the public?