Extra Credit Paper Review
Extra Credit Paper Product Review 1 Page Paperdue 12032015name
Extra Credit Paper Product Review 1-page paper due: 12/03/2015. Choose a non-fine art object (e.g., car, cell phone, furniture), include a printed image attached to a separate paper, and write a well-developed analysis of the object. Use terminology and concepts from Elements and Principles of Design to describe the object. Provide a description of the object using design principles, critique its design regarding success, function, and form, and evaluate whether the design meets the intended goals. The paper should be one page, double-spaced, with 12-point font, and well-organized.
Paper For Above instruction
For this assignment, I chose a smartphone as the non-fine art object. A smartphone is a multifunctional device combining communication, entertainment, time management, and connectivity. Using the Elements and Principles of Design, I will analyze how these principles are applied in the design of this object to enhance its function and aesthetic appeal.
The form of a smartphone is sleek and minimalistic, emphasizing clean lines and smooth surfaces, which aligns with the principles of simplicity and unity. The use of a rectangular shape with rounded edges makes it ergonomic and easy to hold, demonstrating the principle of balance. The screen dominates the front surface, illustrating emphasis on the display, which is the primary interaction point for users. Color schemes often involve neutral tones like black or white, which promote harmony and versatility. The materials, typically glass and metal, contribute to a modern and premium look, reinforcing the unity of form and function.
The design's success is evident in its widespread usability and aesthetic appeal. The large touch screen serves both functional and decorative purposes, making the device intuitive and visually appealing. The minimalist design reduces visual clutter, helping users focus on content and interaction, thus enhancing its utility. The placement of buttons and camera modules follows the principles of rhythm and proportion, ensuring ease of use and visual balance. The color and material choices foster a sense of modernity and sophistication, aligning with consumer expectations.
Critically, the design successfully meets its intended goal of combining form and function to create a user-friendly device. The sleek form factor enables portability and ease of use, while the emphasis on the display underscores its primary function as a communication and multimedia device. However, some critiques include the fragility of glass surfaces, which can compromise durability, and the tendency for the device to become outdated quickly due to rapid technological advancements. Despite these issues, the overall design achieves a harmonious balance between aesthetic appeal and practical usability.
In conclusion, the smartphone exemplifies effective application of design principles, successfully integrating form and function to meet user needs and aesthetic expectations. Its clean, balanced, and intuitive design enhances its appeal and usability, though continuous innovation is necessary to address durability and obsolescence challenges.
References
- Norman, D. A. (2013). The Design of Everyday Things. Basic Books.
- Lidwell, W., Holden, K., & Butler, J. (2010). Universal Principles of Design. Rockport Publishers.
- Krippendorff, K. (2006). The Semantic Turn: A New Foundation for Design. CRC Press.
- Heskett, J. (2005). Design: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
- Margolin, V. (2002). The Politics of the Artificial: Essays on Design and History. University of Chicago Press.