Homework 1
Reading Response: Form and Function
I find the inevitable pull and tug between Function and Form to be a vital component in managing and developing any type of product. As someone who has a vested interest in startups, I have experience in designing, whether that be my own apps on Sketch or constructing a toothbrush that can supply the toothpaste using the rudimentary tools found in my garage (https://www.youtube.com/watch?).
The function (“what a thing does”) is usuall crystal clear when beginning an idea. Flashback to Winter of 2013: I want to make an app that functions as a communications forum for people nearby (Yik Yak came along in 2014 and ended up blowing up this idea but I had it too!). I had the basic idea and could answer the questions posed on page 36. What is it for? Entertainment and connecting people from the same neighborhood anonymously. Who is it for? I wanted this to be for teenagers and millennials, anyone but old people…And how it works? I wanted it to be like a twitter feed but entirely anonymous. The form is always more complicated in my opinion. Instead of just coming up with a general idea, I now had to figure out how to make it easy, fun, and safe. I wanted to design something that is intuitive and effectively fulfills the function. Quoting a wise man, “more than function, design is experience.” I needed to decide on the feel of the app. At first, I wanted it to be sleek and modern but found that I didn’t have the means to successfully pull It off (didn’t know how to code the interactive interface I designed). I also realized that because it functions as an app for younger people, I should probably just make it fun and colorful. By changing the form and the way it makes you feel, we were better aligning the app with the original function, This is an example of form following function.
I also have examples of function being altered by form. Over the summer, I was working on a non-profit start up (that never ended up actually starting up). My friends and I had a very basic idea for the function–––temporarily pay people’s bills who are struggling. We wanted it to be for the average person that just needs one bill paid or is on the brink of homelessness. I found that this function, while certainly positive and necessary, could not function properly without certain barriers to entry. We couldn’t have just anyone ask for a bill paid or the entire app would be saturated and donors would likely not trust the people their money is going to. We decided on a few fixes to this issue: the bills would be paid directly to the billing company and the people that are getting donations would be people that are currently working with companies that support low income demographics. This is a perfect example of form modulating or contextualizing the function. Now, the app (now called Just One Bill) would be for convicts/ex gang members, previous homeless, and people that have to pay medical bills.
Overall, I will continue to keep these two ideas in mind as I progress with my VR idea in this course. I will remember that the form or aesthetics should not hinder the function, but it is important nonetheless.
Design Etude: Taking Notice
My tissue box:
I find that the tissue box is so simple but serves it purpose well. The coloring is unique and calming. It doesn’t distract or make much of a statement at all, but somehow seems to please the eye with its modern design. As for the form, the plastic walls keep tissues from escaping. The box is foldable, making it easy for producers to easily craft and assemble the box. The simplicity of the box is a perfect example of minimalism–––the end (to store and access tissues for whatever purpose necessary) is justified by the the means (low cost, small, simple to make). I think overall, I find the simplicity of a tissue box to be beautiful.
Hat:
My “Two Friends” hat (my brother’s DJ group) is made from cheap material, fabric that doesn’t stain easily and is able to adequately protect me from rain, sun, and other weather conditions. In this way, the hat is perfect. It is well made, yet cheap. It is light, yet sturdy. It fits snug on my head but is not too tight (has an adjustable strap in the back). The hat is black with the words Two Friends printed on it. While I think the primary end goal is a hat that can guard from the sun, I find the hat chic and fashionable. I think this is a secondary end goal for the hat–––To create a fashion statement that is cool and also shows support for an artist you enjoy listening to.
Dorm decor:
The theme for my dorm is Power Puff Girls (Potter Puff Girls) and I believe the RAs were very successful in creating a dorm environment that was both fun and ‘pretty.’ Every door has the faces of the residents in the room photoshopped on to the Power Puff Girls. I found this to be a cute way to both give people a little insight into the other residents in the dorm and further push the theme, immersing the residents in to the idea that we are Power Puff Girls. The RA’s also colored the lights pink, to push the theme (PPG’s are pink). Walking around the hall, I feel like I am in a different world simply due to the interesting color of the lighting. I find this to be beautiful. The goal, to create a dorm with spirit and community, was definitely accomplished with the inexpensive and light decorations that the RA’s put up.
Design Etude: Guerrilla Design
My grandmas birthday and was asked by my cousin to send a video wishing her a happy birthday. At first, I started filming and gave a regular, generic happy birthday message, But then I remembered this homework assignment. I met up with my brother and we wore my grandparents special hats they made us when we were little. We wished them a happy birthday and threw in some inside jokes. In short, I made sure that the birthday message was special and had some flare to it!
ChucK Program
(I couldnt figure out how to link it...)
SinOsc tone => dac;
440 => tone.freq;
.6 => tone.gain;
1::second => now;