Have a look at Yumi's blog where she has posted an article which looks at design and creativity. It suggests that creativity is creating something new that hasn't been done before and that the majority of design does not do this as it follows past rules and conventions. This would suggest that if the majority of design is not creative, then it's not artistic either!
Food for thought!
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Surrealism paragraph
We ran out of time to look at the synthesised paragraph on surrealism but below is an example model that you can compare to yours. If you want me to look at yours, just let me know.
There are various definitions for the term surrealism. The Macmillan Essential Dictionary defines it as “a 20th-century literary and artistic movement that attempts to express the workings of the subconscious and is characterized by fantastic imagery and incongruous juxtaposition of subject matter” (Macmillan Essential Dictionary, 2003). It aims to free the mind of our day-to-day existence in order to achieve a fantastical, dreamy condition where the imagination and critical capacities of the “unconscious mind” are highlighted (wwww.wikipedia.com, 2006). Collina (2002) notes how the term is also used informally to express unpredictable ‘juxtaposition’ or ‘non-sequiters’ that emerge in conversation or the world of art. However, she points out how surrealists are often critical of the term being used in this manner.
There are various definitions for the term surrealism. The Macmillan Essential Dictionary defines it as “a 20th-century literary and artistic movement that attempts to express the workings of the subconscious and is characterized by fantastic imagery and incongruous juxtaposition of subject matter” (Macmillan Essential Dictionary, 2003). It aims to free the mind of our day-to-day existence in order to achieve a fantastical, dreamy condition where the imagination and critical capacities of the “unconscious mind” are highlighted (wwww.wikipedia.com, 2006). Collina (2002) notes how the term is also used informally to express unpredictable ‘juxtaposition’ or ‘non-sequiters’ that emerge in conversation or the world of art. However, she points out how surrealists are often critical of the term being used in this manner.
Monday, 26 July 2010
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Critical Essay plan: deadine Monday 26th July
You are expected to hand in an Essay plan detailing:
- Full structure.
- Approach – (what you are going to argue).
- In note form – possible arguments to support this approach.
- Potential sources/source material for arguments.
One complete paragraph of the essay (approx 200 words)
(Between 400-500 words in total)
- Full structure.
- Approach – (what you are going to argue).
- In note form – possible arguments to support this approach.
- Potential sources/source material for arguments.
One complete paragraph of the essay (approx 200 words)
(Between 400-500 words in total)
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Reading List for DESIGN Critical Essay
Internet
The Difference between Art & Design – the different functions of art & design: the audience receives one message from design (more objective) but many form art (more subjective)
http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/09/the-difference-between-art-and-design/
Design Council – What is design? – clear overview of design focusing on relationship between design work and users
http://www.hku.hk/bse/interdisciplinary/what_is_design.pdf
http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/about-design/What-design-is-and-why-it-matters/
Dieter Rams: Ten principles for good design – further reading about good design
http://www.vitsoe.com/en/gb/about/dieterrams/gooddesign
What is Art?....What is an artist? – art defined by what it does rather than what it is
http://www.arthistory.sbc.edu/artartists/artartists.html
Good Design, Michael Cummings –Useful examples of good design in digital products
http://uxdesign.com/design/article/good-design/54
What is design? An interview with Charles Eames – personal definition with some useful quotes
http://www.scielo.cl/pdf/arq/n49/art11.pdf
Design quotes
http://www.quotationspage.com/subjects/design/
Lego Building: Art and Design – interesting comparison of art & design using lego as an example!
http://www.ablestable.com/resources/library/thecolumn/2004/019.htm
Same Difference – another article about how different art and design are
http://www.recirca.com/backissues/c101/lclancy.shtml
Design ≠ Art: Functional Objects from Donald Judd to Rachel Whiteread – Review of an exhibition displaying purely functional objects in response to the question “Is there a difference between design and art?”
http://www.brooklynrail.org/2004/11/artseen/design-art-functional-objects-from-d
Buchanan, R. (1992) Wicked Problems in Design Thinking: Design Issues Vol.8/2:5-21
http://www.jstor.org/stable/1511637
Books
Munari, B. (2008) Design as Art , esp from p25 – a counter-argument to Brady noting the overlapping of art & design arguing that aesthetics is as important as function in design
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Design-Art-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/0141035811
Newark, Q. What is Graphic Design? P.28 Is Design the same as art? – agrees with Brady’s distinction but also argues that design can be as emotional as art
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ZA2jzYuN93wC&printsec=frontcover&dq=what%20is%20graphic%20design?&hl=en&ei=yttGTNv2LYmR4QaDmdDZCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false
Capez, E. (2004) Art & Design Uncovered – examples of differences between art & design
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=9hcvuQYWQ5UC&printsec=frontcover&dq=what%20is%20art%20for?&hl=en&ei=R8FGTOngA4__4AaKqaDZCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false
Lawson (1997) How designers think Chapter 5 Measurement, criteria and judgement in design – detailed examples of how to measure the degree of success of the design process
http://www.4shared.com/document/wUkVL_74/How_Designers_Think.html
Dissanayake, E. What is art for? – Purpose and range of art
Buchanan, R, Good Design in the Digital Age – as discussed in class
http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/good-design-in-the-digital-age
Benjamin, W. The work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction – source of the concept of ‘aura’ discussed in class
www.dzignism.com/articles/benjamin.pdf
Berger, J. (1972) Ways of Seeing
Part One: Berger’s opinion about seeing - also on youtube
Buchannan, R & Margolin, V. ( ) Discovering Design – explorations in design studies
The Difference between Art & Design – the different functions of art & design: the audience receives one message from design (more objective) but many form art (more subjective)
http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/09/the-difference-between-art-and-design/
Design Council – What is design? – clear overview of design focusing on relationship between design work and users
http://www.hku.hk/bse/interdisciplinary/what_is_design.pdf
http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/about-design/What-design-is-and-why-it-matters/
Dieter Rams: Ten principles for good design – further reading about good design
http://www.vitsoe.com/en/gb/about/dieterrams/gooddesign
What is Art?....What is an artist? – art defined by what it does rather than what it is
http://www.arthistory.sbc.edu/artartists/artartists.html
Good Design, Michael Cummings –Useful examples of good design in digital products
http://uxdesign.com/design/article/good-design/54
What is design? An interview with Charles Eames – personal definition with some useful quotes
http://www.scielo.cl/pdf/arq/n49/art11.pdf
Design quotes
http://www.quotationspage.com/subjects/design/
Lego Building: Art and Design – interesting comparison of art & design using lego as an example!
http://www.ablestable.com/resources/library/thecolumn/2004/019.htm
Same Difference – another article about how different art and design are
http://www.recirca.com/backissues/c101/lclancy.shtml
Design ≠ Art: Functional Objects from Donald Judd to Rachel Whiteread – Review of an exhibition displaying purely functional objects in response to the question “Is there a difference between design and art?”
http://www.brooklynrail.org/2004/11/artseen/design-art-functional-objects-from-d
Buchanan, R. (1992) Wicked Problems in Design Thinking: Design Issues Vol.8/2:5-21
http://www.jstor.org/stable/1511637
Books
Munari, B. (2008) Design as Art , esp from p25 – a counter-argument to Brady noting the overlapping of art & design arguing that aesthetics is as important as function in design
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Design-Art-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/0141035811
Newark, Q. What is Graphic Design? P.28 Is Design the same as art? – agrees with Brady’s distinction but also argues that design can be as emotional as art
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ZA2jzYuN93wC&printsec=frontcover&dq=what%20is%20graphic%20design?&hl=en&ei=yttGTNv2LYmR4QaDmdDZCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false
Capez, E. (2004) Art & Design Uncovered – examples of differences between art & design
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=9hcvuQYWQ5UC&printsec=frontcover&dq=what%20is%20art%20for?&hl=en&ei=R8FGTOngA4__4AaKqaDZCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false
Lawson (1997) How designers think Chapter 5 Measurement, criteria and judgement in design – detailed examples of how to measure the degree of success of the design process
http://www.4shared.com/document/wUkVL_74/How_Designers_Think.html
Dissanayake, E. What is art for? – Purpose and range of art
Buchanan, R, Good Design in the Digital Age – as discussed in class
http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/good-design-in-the-digital-age
Benjamin, W. The work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction – source of the concept of ‘aura’ discussed in class
www.dzignism.com/articles/benjamin.pdf
Berger, J. (1972) Ways of Seeing
Part One: Berger’s opinion about seeing - also on youtube
Buchannan, R & Margolin, V. ( ) Discovering Design – explorations in design studies
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Paraphrase of Brady's differences between Art & Design
Art
Design
Purpose
A - The function is less clear. It just is. It’s concerned with pure aesthetics, reflection and emotional concerns.
D - Has a function to convey a message and is concerned with how to do this
How are they made
A - No rules to follow. There are a number of infinite choices
D - Has to follow rules and bring given elements together into an aesthetic, functional product
Judgement
A - More difficult to judge as success is determined by whether it achieves beauty or truth which are more subjective concepts
D - Easier to judge as success depends on its achieving a practical, utilitarian function which is a more objective concept
Audience
A -Wants to be moved to reflect and question the message conveyed
D -Wants to be able to use the information or product in the most aesthetic and functional way
Materials
A -Is concerned with exploring its materials to express meaning and, therefore, are part of the finished piece
D -Materials used during the creative process are not necessarily the same as the finished product. There is less emphasis on materials
Sunday, 18 July 2010
The New Decor and Ernesto Neto at The Hayward Gallery
The New Decor and Ernesto Neto at The Hayward Gallery
Step into the Hayword Gallery this summer, many buzzwords that are linked to interior design such as "space,sculpture,furnature"surfaced.
One will be astonished to find the works of 36 artists from 22 countries being exhibit on the lower floor of the exhibition hall. The artists transform the appearance of daily furniture into a different set of interior design that overturn the normally accepted.
Under the topic of "New Decor" the artists have a knack to represent the political and social problems. They not only display their exhibitions, but also have the objective of exploring new ideas in interior design.
Two such good examples are the "Motorway Flyover" by LOS Carpinteros from Cuba and "Smokes Spheres" by Angela Bulloch from Canada. However, in my humble opinion, there are some need to improved as curators,Because sometimes I was tired from matching the title to its exhibit,and some are arranged in confusion,which the curators need to give more rational space to these magical artists.
One finished with the exhibition on the lower floor. A large-scale sculpture waits you on the upper floor. “Edges of the world”by brilliant artist Ernesto Neto, explores the design on tension and weight, by involving biomorsphere forms. With Nero’s unique concept, the sculpture was arranged with a rein that spread out of the gallery’s top floor and terraces.
Visitors would naturally be attracted to “Edges of the World”, because of its colorful and relaxable space. Upon entering the exhibit, everyone will enjoy Nero’s installation which aims to fuse human’s body with our city. Walking through the tunnel-like passages, one will be able to appreciate the wonderful scene of pieces works, enjoy slightly surreal happiness in the miniature cityscape, walk to future in the open air, as well as dipping into small pool which combine variety levels of technology,even we can climb and get into its heart to listen to the heartbeat as if listen ourselves. The success of Nero’s exhibition is built on his ability to display his idea of dream land using a mixture of sculpture,landscape,space,architecture,urban design, and also one who put these ideas into practice.
sorry for misposting here
Step into the Hayword Gallery this summer, many buzzwords that are linked to interior design such as "space,sculpture,furnature"surfaced.
One will be astonished to find the works of 36 artists from 22 countries being exhibit on the lower floor of the exhibition hall. The artists transform the appearance of daily furniture into a different set of interior design that overturn the normally accepted.
Under the topic of "New Decor" the artists have a knack to represent the political and social problems. They not only display their exhibitions, but also have the objective of exploring new ideas in interior design.
Two such good examples are the "Motorway Flyover" by LOS Carpinteros from Cuba and "Smokes Spheres" by Angela Bulloch from Canada. However, in my humble opinion, there are some need to improved as curators,Because sometimes I was tired from matching the title to its exhibit,and some are arranged in confusion,which the curators need to give more rational space to these magical artists.
One finished with the exhibition on the lower floor. A large-scale sculpture waits you on the upper floor. “Edges of the world”by brilliant artist Ernesto Neto, explores the design on tension and weight, by involving biomorsphere forms. With Nero’s unique concept, the sculpture was arranged with a rein that spread out of the gallery’s top floor and terraces.
Visitors would naturally be attracted to “Edges of the World”, because of its colorful and relaxable space. Upon entering the exhibit, everyone will enjoy Nero’s installation which aims to fuse human’s body with our city. Walking through the tunnel-like passages, one will be able to appreciate the wonderful scene of pieces works, enjoy slightly surreal happiness in the miniature cityscape, walk to future in the open air, as well as dipping into small pool which combine variety levels of technology,even we can climb and get into its heart to listen to the heartbeat as if listen ourselves. The success of Nero’s exhibition is built on his ability to display his idea of dream land using a mixture of sculpture,landscape,space,architecture,urban design, and also one who put these ideas into practice.
sorry for misposting here
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Your blogs
I have just read and checked all of your blogs. I'm sorry but I don't have time to comment on each one so I'll just give you some general feedback. Those who have written about the 'good design' text have all done very well. You show an understanding of the text but most of you also reflect on your own reaction to the article and give your opinion.
I have also read all your reviews now and these seem to be fine. If you write a 1st draft and bring it to class on Friday, I can have a quick look over it with you.
Some people have started reflecting on the London project. This is excellent as it can help inspire each other. Please do this regularly. Also, I am sorry but re-reading the brief it seems you can write about an aspect of london as well....so it doesn't necessarily have to be about an area though i will expect you to contextualise your work.
Finally, a few of you have not written any of the above. I cannot stress enough the importance of reflective writing on your courses and the need to practice this. It also gives me the chance to see that you are making porgress. Those who have written are making progress so well done!!!
Keep up the good work :)
I have also read all your reviews now and these seem to be fine. If you write a 1st draft and bring it to class on Friday, I can have a quick look over it with you.
Some people have started reflecting on the London project. This is excellent as it can help inspire each other. Please do this regularly. Also, I am sorry but re-reading the brief it seems you can write about an aspect of london as well....so it doesn't necessarily have to be about an area though i will expect you to contextualise your work.
Finally, a few of you have not written any of the above. I cannot stress enough the importance of reflective writing on your courses and the need to practice this. It also gives me the chance to see that you are making porgress. Those who have written are making progress so well done!!!
Keep up the good work :)
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Textual/Critical analysis of Good Design in the Digital age text
Main point/ideas of each paragraph
Editor’s note: Definition + evaluation of “good design”
1. PROBLEM – large number of digital products that fail to meet consumer’s needs
SOLUTION? A criteria/practical framework or some way of evaluating good, effective design?
2. PAST – ’49 – ’55 good design programme successful BUT only focused on narrow selection of good designs. Neglected majority of products representing technological change.
3. PAST – good design – form and function BUT in isolation from its use – didn’t consider context of use (daily life)
4. TODAY – good design is user experience/content/performance : 1. Useful; 2. Usable; 3. Desirable
5. TODAY – good design NOT JUST visual BUT ALSO engage the user/community by humanizing technology (human experience/enjoyment)
6. BUCHANAN - Trust a product has CONTENT and PURPOSE: what is its use? Why useful for me?
7. BUCHANAN – Designers need to build consumers’ trust: 1. Product must be usable (esp in first instance)2. Understand needs + limitations of users (common sense, knowledge of body, mind) in order to engage users (grace, elegance, excitement, marvel)
8. DESIRABILITY – first encounter w/product, USABILITY – this alone is not enough to create trust. Need to create DESIRABILITY, selecting one product vs another – feeling comfortable, identifying w/product
9. DESIRABILITY – To achieve this, 1. Relationship with marketing experts; 2. Add cultural expressions
10. CONCLUSION – good design = STRATEGIC DESIGN – balance of 1. Usefulness; 2. Usability; 3. Desirability. Apply this to each individual situation to achieve good design. Main point/ideas of each paragraph
Editor’s note: Definition + evaluation of “good design”
1. PROBLEM – large number of digital products that fail to meet consumer’s needs
SOLUTION? A criteria/practical framework or some way of evaluating good, effective design?
2. PAST – ’49 – ’55 good design programme successful BUT only focused on narrow selection of good designs. Neglected majority of products representing technological change.
3. PAST – good design – form and function BUT in isolation from its use – didn’t consider context of use (daily life)
4. TODAY – good design is user experience/content/performance : 1. Useful; 2. Usable; 3. Desirable
5. TODAY – good design NOT JUST visual BUT ALSO engage the user/community by humanizing technology (human experience/enjoyment)
6. BUCHANAN - Trust a product has CONTENT and PURPOSE: what is its use? Why useful for me?
7. BUCHANAN – Designers need to build consumers’ trust: 1. Product must be usable (esp in first instance)2. Understand needs + limitations of users (common sense, knowledge of body, mind) in order to engage users (grace, elegance, excitement, marvel)
8. DESIRABILITY – first encounter w/product, USABILITY – this alone is not enough to create trust. Need to create DESIRABILITY, selecting one product vs another – feeling comfortable, identifying w/product
9. DESIRABILITY – To achieve this, 1. Relationship with marketing experts; 2. Add cultural expressions
10. CONCLUSION – good design = STRATEGIC DESIGN – balance of 1. Usefulness; 2. Usability; 3. Desirability. Apply this to each individual situation to achieve good design. Main point/ideas of each paragraph
Monday, 12 July 2010
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Today is the Final match between Spain and Holland . Everyone who love football has watched it .Although I missed the match because of some reasons .But I have been focusing on the result .Just like Paul has predicted that Spain won .Every Spanish was so excited .When I took the tube from central London to my home ,I saw a lot of Spanish who song their country 's songs and danced not only in the tube stations ,but also on the tube .As a football fan I could feel the mood which only the winner could have it ,I was inspired by them. I want to say ,Today is Spanish Festival .
Friday, 9 July 2010
Good Design in the Digital Age
To develop some intial ideas for your critical essay, I'd like you to read a text about what makes good design over the weekend. Please click on the following link to download a PDF of the article:
http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/good-design-in-the-digital-age
We will be analysing and discussing this text in class next week so please make sure you read it carefully before that.
Also, link below to a review about the new decor/Ernesto Nero exhibition we will be visiting on Monday:
http://www.theartsdesk.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1691:ernesto-neto-new-d%C3%A9cor-hayward-review&Itemid=23
see you monday 11am, main entrance, hayward gallery (waterloo tube)
http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/good-design-in-the-digital-age
We will be analysing and discussing this text in class next week so please make sure you read it carefully before that.
Also, link below to a review about the new decor/Ernesto Nero exhibition we will be visiting on Monday:
http://www.theartsdesk.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1691:ernesto-neto-new-d%C3%A9cor-hayward-review&Itemid=23
see you monday 11am, main entrance, hayward gallery (waterloo tube)
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
Monday, 5 July 2010
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Thursday, 1 July 2010
Learn Academic English
It has been 8 years since I graduated from university. And I have no any idea about academic even in Chinese. And after no more than 12 weeks I am going to attend my MA course. I am really worried about this.
At the pre-session English course I start to learn how to write a reflective writing, how to make a note, write in synthesis and citation etc. In the class sometime I didn’t catch the purpose of the teacher wanted us to do. Some translation voice always around my mind, I try to think use English but only simple thing when I use the academic Chinese come up my mind first. And also the academic vocabulary limited. It’s really hard time to me. But I must step by step to solve the problems….hope I can use academic English appropriately after hard work.
Cheer up!!!
At the pre-session English course I start to learn how to write a reflective writing, how to make a note, write in synthesis and citation etc. In the class sometime I didn’t catch the purpose of the teacher wanted us to do. Some translation voice always around my mind, I try to think use English but only simple thing when I use the academic Chinese come up my mind first. And also the academic vocabulary limited. It’s really hard time to me. But I must step by step to solve the problems….hope I can use academic English appropriately after hard work.
Cheer up!!!
Links to reviews of The Surreal House
Please read these before the trip tomorrow. Afterwards, read them again in more detail looking at vocabulary and structure. We will be discussing them in class next week.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/arts/review-23843535-surreal-house-is-a-dream-of-a-home.do
http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/surreal-house-at-barbican-art-gallery-article-9219.html
http://www.timeout.com/london/art/event/172604/the-surreal-house
Barbican centre, Silk St. (nearest tube: Moorgate) 11am. see you there!
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/arts/review-23843535-surreal-house-is-a-dream-of-a-home.do
http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/surreal-house-at-barbican-art-gallery-article-9219.html
http://www.timeout.com/london/art/event/172604/the-surreal-house
Barbican centre, Silk St. (nearest tube: Moorgate) 11am. see you there!
Examples of good paragraph structure
Andy Warhol’s popularity and influence in art is without doubt. As an appreciation, the Hayward exhibits his artistic production including multi-media and pieces of art which have a significant influence on popular culture (Peterson, 2008). As pointed out by Brown (2000:68), Andy Warhol is not only seen as an influential artist but also as “a global brand name, like Coca-Cola”.
Andy Warhol has a worldwide reputation as a symbolic artist of our age. The Hayward exhibits Andy Warhol’s artistic production, including multi-media and pieces of art which have a significant influence on popular culture (Peterson, 2008). Some of his masterpieces are seen to be iconic amongst 20th century art and Warhol himself has been described by Brown (2000:68) as “a global brand name, like Coca-Cola”.
Andy Warhol has a worldwide reputation as a symbolic artist of our age. The Hayward exhibits Andy Warhol’s artistic production, including multi-media and pieces of art which have a significant influence on popular culture (Peterson, 2008). Some of his masterpieces are seen to be iconic amongst 20th century art and Warhol himself has been described by Brown (2000:68) as “a global brand name, like Coca-Cola”.
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