Wednesday August 24, 2011
Today we based our lesson on the notion:
“Simplicity and complexity need each other.”
from John Maeda’s Book Chapter 5 - Differences, Laws of Simplicity
Reading Quiz
Answer the following questions as succinctly as possible in your own words
10 mins: Cut & paste into your blog and start answers
10 mins: Open discussion
1. Describe the relationship between complexity and simplicity
If everything is simple then it will become boring whereas if everything is complex it will become too difficult and boring. We need both to balance out our world.
2. What analogy does Maeda use to demonstrate this relationship?
If we have ice-cream everyday it will become boring
3. In what context does Maeda discuss rhythm / beat in relation to the fifth law
Contextualise this relationship and discuss how this can be used in relation to the
Student Exhibition - giving specific examples
Maeda refers to a song to indicate how simplicity and complexity relate. The song can start out simple but would become boring if it didn’t get complex at some point and vice versa. We can apply the same principles in our exhibition through coordinating our works in such a way that they are simple to view yet complex enough to evoke curiosity and wonder. Our displays can be simple to contrast a complex design or vice versa
4. HOMEWORK: Find visual examples - pieces of design & multimedia work that
demonstrate the relationship between simplicity and complexity – post the results
on your blog, with contextual analysis and reflection
Complexity inside Simplicity
iPhone 4
This is an example of a very complicated series of circuits, speakers and wires being consolidated into a simple easy to use device.
Reference (image above): Apple iPhone4 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/06/iphone-4-top-new-1.jpg
Complex Design
Cryogenic Rocket Engine
This engine looks very complex and I would predict that something could go wrong very easily as there is so much going on. This could however resemble similar traits to that of the iPhone 4 though it is not concealed.
Reference (image above): Indian space research organisation carry out a full scale ground test of the indigenous cryogenic rocket engine. http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/14/images/2007011407461001.jpg
Complex Design Operation
Plane Cockpit
To someone without flight control knowledge this cockpit looks like a maze of buttons, dials and levers. To a pilot it is so familiar they could almost operate the whole system blindfolded. This is a result of complex training made simple over a long period of time. Each lever, button or information is strategically placed in order of importance. It is a huge contrast from how a bird flies with just its wings and instinct.
Reference (image above): http://www.free-wallpaper-download.com/militairy/U2%20Cockpit.jpg
Simple Log for a complex company
Apple
Apple are a huge company easily recognised by an image of an apple with a bite taken out of it. This is a great example of a gigantic company being easily summed up and recognised in a simple way
Reference (Image above): Apple Corporation Logo
Complex Logo
Aftershock
This logo is an example of a simple word becoming lost in the abyss of too much design. This is way too busy to become a successful logo and is very hard to read.
Reference (Image above):Aftershock logo by ~DegaSpiv on deviantART
YouTube Clip
Eric Berlow: How complexity leads to simplicity
Commentary
Ecologist Eric Berlow aims to make mince meat of complex diagrams and notions however I am no better off from his de-structuring of a busy world map on the Afghan government status. He is very clear and well-spoken and has a good way of thinking when it comes to hard going aspects saying,
“Simplicity often lies on the other side of complexity.”
This alone is a very powerful statement and allows for the mind to realise that behind all this chaos is a simple answer.
BLOG TASK
Edward de Bono’s “6 Thinking Hats”
• Research Edward de Bono’s “6 Thinking Hats”
• In your blog write a short description of each of the 6 hats
• Contextualize each description to your specific exhibition group task
• Prepare for discussion of this topic in next week’s class
Reference (Image above):
http://www.mkk.school.nz/Cache/Pictures/666545/3_Picture_4.png
One of the Exhibition groups I am assigned to is “Branding”
I can apply the different hats to each part of the decision making process.
The white hat
White signifies clarity
This will help think about the key fundamentals of the Brand “Ten Squared” and what it stands for
The yellow hat
Yellow instils happiness
I can explore and apply the successes of other brands and visualise the positive outcomes
The black hat
Black is like a canvas for perspective and criticism
The branding will not go off on a tangent, I must be aware of the timeline to keep on track
The red hat
Red is like the moods
Discover what I like and don’t about the design ideas for the branding and the exhibition
The green hat
Green resembles growth and new life
I can allow my thoughts and ideas to develop the Brand
The blue hat
Blue can be associated with calm and control
I can make sure everything is in perspective and ask peers for input on how the Brand is developing
Reflection
Today’s lesson was based soley around the relationship of complexity and simplicity. It is important to use these two as polar ends to which we can design to. Too complex and too simple. If we draw a medium between the two we are on track. The human adapts but is quickly bored. It is important to keep the human attention to progress both in deisgn and in life.
Good blog again.
ReplyDeleteTypo: "bight" shud be "bite".
Eric Berlow is a cracker - boy do those guys talk fast!
And you nailed the 6 Hats!
What a model student thou art.