Music 256a Homework 1, Fall 2021
Ray Gifford


Reading Response:

I am responding to Principle 1.11: Design is Constraints, which give rise to interactions and, in turn, aesthetics, from chapter 1 of Artful Design.

After thinking about this idea for a bit, I think that I agree. In this world, to me it feels like there are always constraints; but I think that without those, there aren't many pressures to create. Not that people wouldn't create, without any constraints, but those creations would likely be without function. Its the constraints which constitute the function of a creation.

As a side note, I do feel that there is a critical point at which constraints no longer serve to amplify creative design. To me I often feel at my most creative, when I am forced to be resourceful; but I can think of how extreme resourcefulness can steal too many resources that we are able to expend (our time and effort), that it holds back any appreciable amount of design progress. Similar to the saying "Money doesn't buy you happiness", more resources and fewer constraints, doesn't buy you better design. However, just like design resources... there is maybe roughly $70,000 /year threshold by which your needs are met enough to allow for the opportunity to pursue things that make you happy.


Chuck:

Waves
This Chuck file generates semi-convincing ocean waves, with shifts from brown to pink noise, and amplitude shifting.

Design Etude:

Part 1 and 2:

Object 1
This toothbrush holder has the function of both holding and charging my electric toothbrush. The curved shape of the glass makes it easy to use, by funneling the base of the toothbrush to the position that it requires to charge. The choice of glass, not only makes it easy for the wireless charger to penetrate, but it also make the stand feel clean, neat, and like it isn't taking up any space.

Object 2
This cheese knife, has a specialized function. It is meant to cut, but to also cut cheese specifically, and as such it has a design that sticks out from the other knives in my set. The ergonomic handle and center of balance make the knife easy to use. The blade itself is made of hardened steel, which holds its edge for a long time. The blade body is perforated. This choice was made to lower the surface area of the blade, to minimize the extent by which soft cheeses stick while being sliced. The blades curve gives an interesting look and feel, when somewhat rolling to make a slice.

Object 3
This is a tabletop dishwasher. It's function is to help to wash dishes. It isn't as powerful as other full size dishwashers, but it is able to clean pretty well. Unlike normal dishwashers, it has a tank which you fill. This allows the dishwasher to be run anywhere where you have electricity. The door is clear, unlike most dishwashers, and allows the user to keep on eye on all of the satisfying cleaning. Lights on the inside of the dishwasher allow you to monitor progress, and serve as indicators when the machine has finished.


Part 3: Guerrilla Design

Coffee Grinder
I use a coffee grinder every morning. The canister on the top, allows you to hold a large quantity of coffee beans. My partner and I have never used the canister to hold more than 25-30 g of coffee beans, to be used that morning. My partner is very particular with coffee, and like to keep the beans in airtight containers to extend their freshness. With a similar amount of care, he weighs the beans to meet specific ratios for different varietals.

I wanted to try to use this top canister for something fun. To add a little character to the grinder. I wanted the canister to hold onto something different. Something that feels special enough to protect, in a clear case. This made me think of when I was a kid. I used to live near a pond, and would also try to catch dragonflies and lightning bugs, and put them in clear jars, or use clear plastic wrap on an opaque cup, to see inside. Where I grew up, in southeastern USA, it is home to the only known variety of fireflies that synchronize their flashes. When going into the woods to find them, a cloud of lights pulse all at once. I wanted to capture a small part of that childhood feeling, in this little container. So I made an origami bug, from a coffee filter, to hang from the lid. I used a photo-resister for it's eyes, and a yellow LED for its abdomen. Thin copper wire innervates it, and holds it to a coin-shaped battery on the lid. This special bug, hangs in the coffee grinder, without impacting its everyday use.

Grinder at Night
When you wakeup in the morning to take it out of the cabinet, it glows, to start your day with a reminder of the magic from your childhood.