Christopher Wacyra: Foster/Rams Response about design2 HOT 1 OPEN

When it comes to design in respect to technology and or products, I highly agree with all of his commandments of good design. Being a technology buff myself, old and new, I always found it satisfying that you could just look at a piece of equipment and instantly now its function based on the design. Not only that, but its design at times I found makes its very satisfying to use. Whether it be very rugged clicky buttons or very smooth, tactile knobs, the small subtle design choices sometimes makes the experience of using a piece of equipment all the more satisfying. Even the look of the equipment can carry a certain satisfaction. The texture, the color, and the material can all help carry a certain identity. For example, any piece of technology in the 80s that possessed a wood grain body just yells nostalgia. So yes I agree with these 10 commandments.........except with one.

When applying design to anything, I will never agree that simplicity can be a crucial element. If design was practiced with simplicity in mind, I feel that designs would start to become stale and repetitive and uninspired. I always thought of design as a way for someone to create something that was not only appealing but stood out from all the rest, something that has its own unique character and identity. I know in a cooperate sense design could be watered down in favor or functionality, but I have always noticed that products from certain companies possess a certain character to them. Best example I can give is Apple. Just one look at anything Apple makes, you know what you are going to expect. Brush stainless steel, smooth beveled chassis, and clean uniform bodies. Designs like these may seem simple, but their identities are so complex and endearing.

from design2.