VIDEO ONE: David Kelley: Human centred design
After watching the video, I was thinking about how intertwined humans are with technology and it pushed me right back to the beginning where I realised how much I take technology for granted and how integral it is in life itself. I found that I was amazed at the basic idea that I am sitting here and am able to listen to David Kelly’s words, those exact words that his immediate audience would have heard. As immature as it is, it startled me and allowed to take a tiny step back from what I thought I knew to develop a degree of respect for the people and brains behind such complexities. I realised that things aren’t as simple as we make them up to be; even switching on a computer appears so simple to us but if the processes involved were that simple, all individuals would understand how all the internal components work together to produce such an effect. It reinforced the idea of complexity and simplicity, that things are complex and simple at the same time, and that they both need to co-exist to achieve harmony. Things in reality are complex, but are made simple for the user. That was just a thought that popped up and think it is worthwhile to keep in mind.
I quite like the idea of ‘designing behaviour and personality into products.’ That personal touch makes products one’s own and really personalises something to the extent that it is no longer simply a product but becomes a part of an individual.
The projects in Kenya struck my attention the most, as they seemed to reap real and significant rewards for the people of Kenya. The developing and manufacturing of products in Kenya with Kenyan manufactures was a huge success, with 19 000 companies starting offering an enormous 30 000 new jobs. Although the new technology such as the liquid crystal display and magic mirrors in the Prada retail stores were astounding and are definitely things that I would usually find fascinating and would even love to experience, the juxtaposition of the two stories was quite substantial and worked in favour of the Kenyan projects. Unfortunately for me the focus in the Prada project was too great on materialism rather than the new role technology played in the retail experience. Nonetheless it was still very interesting and I believe that it is important not to disregard these ideas and motions since such technology is becoming more and more vital as the focus is shifting towards technological objects that are human focused.
The interactive walls based on the London subway system brought new insight into education and interactivity. It was great to hear and learn of new ways information was being dispersed, and I’m sure that this method of distributing information would be more easily retained and absorbed by people walking past or those genuinely concerned with self education. I can also see it being a highly effective tool in today’s education and social system.
The new cubicle design for the workers was entertaining, enjoyable and very unique. I can’t imagine any worker who would be unhappy working there. As stated in the video, I completely agree that ‘life would be sweet in a cubicle like this.’ It was easy to personalise each cubicle to each individual’s personality and needs. Simply put, I would love to work there! It’s really a mix of work, play and fun at work.
This video would be important for industrial designers to watch as it focuses on a wide range of projects, ideas, and addresses the need to focus on new technology which is designed with humans at the core. It reveals new technology, innovative concepts on how to transfer information and to make life more manageable, pleasurable and sustainable.
