The City Museum of New York

The City Museum of New York is a modest museum that holds various contributions to people and places throughout the year. The Greatest Grid is a current exhibition that highlights the structure and layout of the city of New York in the 1800s. The presentation has handmade and professional maps and blueprints of the city. As you walk around, the cities layout is broken down in different sections; each major neighborhood has its own dedicated area in the exhibition. The neighborhoods were divided by their geographic location so it made it easier to connect and understand each blueprint. I liked that I could walk around and examine how these neighborhoods have evolved throughout the years. There were so many attributes that changed over time but also stayed exactly the same. The city was urbanized step by step and created a new dynamic for the residents of Manhattan.

             In 1811 the concept of avenues were introduced and in the 1830s, developer Samuel B. Ruggles initiated the effort to expand avenues. By creating these broad roads, the city built its foundation of a grid. The grid design of the city made it much easier for cars and people to navigate throughout the city. All avenues are parallel to one another (from east to west) and the same thing goes for roads; this added a flow to Manhattan. Everything is evenly spaced out and the beauty of the city is that no matter where you are, the blocks and avenues will always be the same. (Towards the very east or west side of the city the grid can be slanted.) The museum also showed how numbering streets where enforced in order to make it convenient for cars and people to make their way around.

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Since the 1800s the gird has already gone through many advancements. Subway maps have changed drastically creating many new train routes; there was a specific picture on display at the museum that had a subway map from the 1800s. It was extremely different because it was very simple and did not have as many train routes as it does today. Today this grid can act as a tool of education by being able to access its entire layout off the Internet (via google maps etc.) The future of the gird is known as the "unfinished grids." Cartographers are constantly redesigning and educating themselves on any changes made. 

Design Review: Essie Nail polish

Doing my nails is probably one of my favorite hobbies. Throughout the years of wearing nail polish, I have learned many things about different brands and the quality of each. The brand Essie is extremely well known and one of my personal beloved brands. Essie nail polish has become second hand to; me because of how often how I use it. Taking a second look at the design there are many components that develop the design of a product such as: form, scale, material, color and qualitative aspects such as: context, lifecycle, use, etc.

Materials used to construct a bottle of Essie nail polish are a variety of different items. The bottle is made of out glass and has intents in it to form the word “essie” on two of the four sides. The top of the bottle or the handle is made out of plastic and inside it has a plastic wand attached to it that then turns into a brush. The plastic handle also has an “e” embedded into it on the top. On the bottom on the bottle, there is a circular sticker stuck to the bottom that has writing on it. The writing states the specific details of that color. Essie nail polishes are made and distributed in the United States. Distribution is in Astoria, New York where the polishes are then packed and shipped and then sold for wholesale and retail.

The function of nail polish is pretty simple: once there is no polish left in your bottle, the product is thrown out. Depending on how often you wear nail polish and how often you use that specific color, determines how long the polish will last. The life span of nail polishes is generous. There is no way to generalize how long your nail polish will last since there are so many factors to take into consideration. However, since Essie is a well-known and well-made brand, there polishes are guaranteed to last longer than local brands. For instance, if you were to purchase an unknown brands nail polish, use it once and then seven months later want to use it again, chances are the polish got thick making it hard to use or the color of the polish isn’t as accurate. Although since Essie is a brand name company, you can buy an Essie nail polish, use it once, then seven months later go back to it and it will be exactly the same as how it was the first time you used it. 

Design Reading: A Table Made of Secret Compartments

http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2012/01/a-table-made-of-secret-compartments/

Usually, tables have one sole function: to be able to place items on it and or use it as a flat top workspace etc. however what happens when a table can take on more than just the one typical function? The result is the Kai Table that was designed by Naoki Hirakoso and Takmitsu Kitahara. The table they created is a wooden rectangular table that sits on the floor. Meaning there are no legs of it holding it up and what not. The table is craved by wood and from the looks of it, seems like a normal table with some discrete lining detail. That lining detail is not just a design; in fact, those lines are not even lines. The illusion of lines is actually the outlines of mini drawers. Throughout the entire table are mini drawers that can be pulled out, opened up, slide across and so on. These drawers make room for small compartments that have room to store different items. What looks like an ordinary table, has been transformed into a tiny puzzle.

            The wooden puzzle table is a very intellectual design. Creating new functions by still keeping old ones in tact is an extremely creative way to be innovative. I think this table has a good design idea, however I am not sure how effective this table can actually be. It really just comes down to preference; some people might like having the option to store things and use it as a table, others might want to keep the two separated. I personally think I prefer this idea. Giving consumers the option of doing something always makes them more inclined to like something. The only flaw I would find myself encountering is forgetting what is in what compartment. Since there are so many, it might get tricky remembering what’s where. Although overall, the idea of adding these mini compartments is a great concept. 

Design Analysis: Give 1 Get 1 Program: One Laptop per Child

The Give 1 Get 1 Program: One laptop per Child, founded by Nicholas Negroponte, is a program that sold and donated XO laptops. The Complete analysis of the program goes as follows:

History:           

•       Computers were sold for $399.00

•       On November 12, 2007 OLPC started the Give 1Get 1 Program

•       In total 83,500 people participated

•       Eventually, the program ended before a full year went through and was over by April 19, 2008

•       FAILS: Order fulfillment and shipment issue delays

•       TRYING AGAIN: On December 31, 2008, OLPC restarted the G1G1 Program through Amazon (amazon.com) and amazon.co.uk for the United Kingdom

•       Computers were still sold for the same price of $399.00

• •        In total 12,500 laptops were sold for a total of ~ $2.5 million 

Current Context:

•       The creators started this generous company on their own, despite the margin of failing

• •        And despite the failure, OLPC is continuing to study what went wrong in their G1G1 Program & to pursuit different methods of fundraising

Predecessors:

• •       Company was founded on their own with the aid of investors of companies and organizations such as eBay, Google, Marvell, and News Corporation.
• •       No other organizations provided this kind of service with laptops, however some clothing and show companies such as Toms do follow the Give 1 Get 1 program.

Future:

•       The concept of G1G1 and the program in general no longer exists

• •       OLPC plans to focus on fundraising as a company now

Function and use:

•       To aid those who are globally underprivileged 

o   Educational tool

o   Exposing students to technology that they would normally not see

•       Concept of giving and taking

o   Buy a computer 

o   Send one to a child in need

• •  Computers are distributed to students in school during class

Design Reading: The Log Chop Bench

http://everydaydesign.ca/logchopbench/the-making-of/

            In 2011 the Log Chop Bench was created and inspired by the Practice of Everyday Design. This bench is a reflected of process based designs. The article explains how designers of this bench were inspired by logger sports that then created the platform for the bench. The log was specifically and artistically cut out so that seats for the benches can easily be adjusted. The seats are made out of hand-sewn motorcycle saddle maker creating its own futuristic style.

            The Log Chop Bench grasps a very unique style. The combination of log as the main fundamental and the modern looking seating create a very sustainable design. Benches typically all follow the same design format so to see something completely different is very eye catching. The log used in the bench build the sense of familiarity that people see in ordinary benches. Usually benches are created entirely of wood, so to incorporate the same sense of material is a great way to get people comfortable with the design change.

            Benches are an everyday design that people unconsciously use. To create a new dynamic to this design will not only advance the look of the overall bench, but also the invitation to use it. In other words, by having a design that is intriguing and essentially more comfortable, people will be more inclined to use it and enjoy it in a more appreciated way.

            I think this design for a bench is awesome. I like how it can look both vintage and modern at the same time. Each material components work off each other to create that desired look. By having more benches like these, I believe the use of benches will increase as well as the demand. The only critique I have of the benches is the uneven seating styles. All three of the seats are drastically different that can create a different atmosphere for the people that use them. With seating arrangements like these, I believe this bench can be used outside of bus stops or waiting areas where the people who sit on them don’t really know one another. I don’t see a bench like this in a park; the seat design is not very inviting. It seems like each seat is an individual seat that does not necessarily have to be communal with others. 

The Empathetic Civilization

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/jeremy_rifkin_on_the_empathic_civilization.html

The video “The Empathetic Civilization” by Jermey Rifkin is an informative lecture that discusses empathy in everyday life. Rifkin points out firsthand characteristics that humans encounter to empathize with others. He goes on to explain that humans are able to communicate and undergo the same emotions as somebody else without actually having to experience it. Rifkin refers to this ability as the mirror neurons we all have. Mirror neurons are a form of communication. It is the ability to share the same reaction and emotions as another human or primate, without actually encountering their specific situation.  The experiment that trigged the on sight of mirror neurons was when a monkey was being observed under an mri brain scanning machine. The experimenter was testing the monkey’s neurons while it attempted to open up a nut. Just then a human came in and tried to open up the nut as well. The result was that the human’s neurons and monkey’s neurons replicated the same response. Our sense of empathy is when we try to understand someone else’s feelings. Mirror neurons are the way we empathize with others by experiencing the exact emotions as someone else.

            This video spoke to designers in an intellectual way as well. The idea of being able to build empathy by design was something that was questioned by many designers. In my opinion, I believe that empathy can be build by design. Design is a way for people to interact by expressing their feelings, expressions, thoughts, opinions etc through different mediums. All designs can give out a message, or be created to give out a message that people can relate to. Anytime you see something for the first time your mind automatically can relate it to a memory or experience that you have encountered. Through these feelings or reminisces, empathy can be built and you can share a personal or general connection to that specific item or artwork.

Use/Behaviors

When discussing the use and behavior of product or object it ascetically comes down to two various: function versus style. In other words, what or how something works versus the technique used to accomplish that. when observing two random couples from as a third party perspective, there are many aspects of use and behavior you can visually see in peoples interactions and body language with one another. 

            The first couple I observed were what looked like to be two college students. They were sitting across one an other in a Starbucks having a conversation. The first 20 actions I picked up were:

1. The guy rested his elbows in the table and put his hands around his neck
2. The girl started using her hands as gestures as she was speaking
3. The guy then puts his hands down on to the table
4. He then shrugs
5. He then puts his hands on his tighs
6. Crossed his legs
7. The girl begins to play with her left earring
8. He guy shakes his head from side to side
9. Girl starts waving her foot
10. Guy begins to use his hands as he speaks
11. Girl begins listing things by using her fingers
12. She then uses her hand to shrug
13. The girl twists her watch
14. The girl used quotation marks
15. Guy has hid hand on his face listening to the girl as she talks
16. He then checks his phone
17. The girl then reaches to her bag on the floor and checks her phone was well
18. Guy looks at his clock
19. The girl begins to play with her earring again
20. The girl begins to laugh as she makes a point/statement

After listing these twenty items I started predicting some conclusions. I think these two people are students and they are friends who are discussing or brainstorming an idea for either a class project of some sort. They way they were interacting with each other gave off a very formal vibe which led me to the assumption that they are not very well acquainted. Even though there was no laptops or papers on the table, just by the way they interacted and their body language towards one another, I could tell there was a little sense of awkwardness between them.

The second couple I observed where a guy and a girl that were definitely friends or becoming friends at least. They were also spotted in Starbucks however they were sitting next to each other. The details that I thought were significant were as follows:

1. The guy has been shaking his foot ever since the girl sat down next to him
2. There faces are close together (closer than usual when you are sitting next to somebody)
3. The guy remains steady eye contact as the girl is speaking
4. As she’s speaking, he leans in closer and laughs
5. The guy beings to dance in his chair as the girl continues talking
6. The girl begins to laugh and casually touches his arm
7. The girl tilts her head and watches the guy as he speaks
8. The guy starts to fidget with his hat but still remains eye contact
9. They both nod their heads together
10. The girl touches the guys arm again
11. She then touches the guys watch
12. The guy leans closer to show her his watch
13. First time the guy uses his hands to talk
14. Both raise their eyebrows together
15. Followed by simultaneous laughter
16. Their hands are on the table and get closer (almost touching)
17. Guy puts his head down for a minute and girl rubs his back
18. Their elbows begin to touch and remain touching
19. The girl fixes her hair (ties it up again)
20. Girl touches the guys arm for the third time

As I watched this couple converse I picked up the actions that I thought had a deeper meaning to them. The way they kept remaining steady eye contact really spoke a lot about them. There were no distractions from the outside world; they were conversing with one another in their own little bubble. They took turns speaking; it was a happy conversation because there was laughter and smiling. They were probably even flirting. I think they were at the point where they are getting to know each other or they can be old friends that were catching up after a while. The reason why I think there is some sort of romantic component involved was because of how they were acting towards one another. The guy was shaking his foot the entire time; that could be he was nervous-she made him nervous. The girl touched his arm several times without even realizing or making it seem wrong. She also fixed her hair even though it was perfectly fine. As a girl, I can tell you first hand that that definitely meant that she cared what she looked like in front of him. It was really nice observing them and picking up on the small gestures that have the biggest meanings.