Design & Society

In our role as designers, it is imperative that we consciously construct the right window through which individuals perceive and engage with the world, aligning it with the desired social structure. As a collective of creative minds, we possess an unique ability to perceive and capture people's attention through our creations, serving as a powerful tool to address and shed a light on pressing social issues. Heftmann's wisdom highlights the significance of understanding user preferences and conducting thorough research when tackling problems, emphasizing the need for a user-centric approach. Building on this, Butler's commentary adds a layer of responsibility, reminding us that every choice we make as designers carries consequential weight, influencing both the user experience and societal impact. Furthermore, the importance of historical awareness and a deep understanding of human behavior becomes evident in our quest to envision the future, acknowledging that the past and present shape the trajectory of our designs and their broader societal implications.

—Hana Joo

"The saying, 'Design should be able to be seen fittingly inserted into a desired social structure,' reminds me of another saying by Beatrice Warde: 'The book typographer has the job of erecting a window between the reader inside the room and that landscape which is the author’s words.' As designers, we must not forget to create the right window(metaphor) that aligns with the desired social structure. In the words of Octavia Butler, when we craft this window, we should also consider the future."

—Po Hao Lee

"This article reminds me of our responsibility as designers. We are a group of people who possess the unique ability to sense and arouse people's attention to social issues via creation. Thus, before making any design decision, we must consider historical context and potential consequences thoughtfully."

—Rebecca Hart

"Butler's commentary on every choice we make having consequences will be important for me to remember in my future as a designer. Those consequences are not always bad, but it is vital to remember that no matter how small the choice, the butterfly effect of those choices will have some kind of consequence, and weighing the benefits and risks is key to making choices with informed thoughts behind them."

—Hana Joo

"Heftmann highlights the importance of figuring out what users want and doing some research when you're trying to solve problems. I especially like the part where the lecture suggests focusing on understanding users and having a plan, like making a business plan. This way, it helps a lot when dealing with tricky business issues through design."

—Xinyi Zhang

"In the second article, the author proposed the importance of paying attention to history and human behavior when thinking about the future.The author expounds "to study history is to study humanity". Which quite resonate me in some ways. Learning from past actions or cases, it is inevitable to make some mistakes. However, those experience we learned could be a better guide for individual and create a better future when reflecting on the present. I find it instructive to learn from the past."

Design & Accessibility

In the realm of interaction design, designers have the responsibility of bridging the gap between humans and computers. With that said, they must inclusively consider the diverse needs of users, even in the face of oversight by major corporations that may not prioritize inclusivity as much as they should. Simplicity, when designing, becomes a guiding principle for achieving clarity and universal understanding. Contrary to common belief, overutilizing interactions may lead to more issues for the user, as there can be unwanted consequences that come out of seemingly simple design decisions. A good example of that is the positive response to the fidgetability of tech gadgets, serving as an emotional support that wasn't necessarily designed with such intentions. On the flip side, negative and unintended outcomes may result from decisions based on biased data.

—Alexis Kim

"It was amazing that the natural behaviors of using an iPhone were explained theoretically. Because we share fundamental values of processing a metaphor despite cultural differences, making one ecosystem of interaction design is possible. I only saw the visual aspect of interaction design. However, after reading these three articles/essays, I realized that designing each tool, act and even accessibility detail between humans and computers is an integral part of interaction design. "

—Hannah Moran

"In his writing, Freiberg discusses the ‘fidgetability’ of gadgets and how it appears that it is taken into consideration during the design process, despite not being backed up by evidence. Often, fidgeting occurs to reduce stress or anxiety, helping calm and ease the user's emotions. Considering that technology is omnipresent, and can itself cause stress and anxiety for users, I observed that perhaps the ‘fidgetability’ of gadgets is very much intentional. The gadget performs its primary function, for example, AirPods allow us to listen to music. But it also performs its emotional function, easing the anxiety of users by having a ‘fidgetable’ case."

—Kritika Dhariwal

"Including various needs of people when thinking about a product is extremely relevant and crucial to a product being successful. I liked Apple's clear and concise guidelines. In some places, having more examples could be more clear. I think its important for companies big or small to write about these as well as follow them."

—Lee Po-Hao

"I like the article underscores the significance of simplicity in design, as Susan Kare's example of traffic signs. It's a compelling reminder me that in design, simplicity often reigns supreme for ensuring clarity and universal understanding."

—Shaoran Liang

"The article indicates the close connection between data and decision-making in visual design and technology. Every decision can cause different consequences. The author listed many examples to further explain the point. For example, The article mentions that biases can sneak into data. Like the Street Bump app that detects potholes; it mainly relies on smartphone users, leaving out those without smartphones. ""Our assumptions, perspectives, intuitions — and yes, our biases — shape what we design and how we design it."" As designers, we should always be cautious about or decision and research process."

—Shaurya

"For me personally, the concept of ""inclusion"" is a relatively recent addition to my vocabulary. It wasn't until I embarked on my corporate journey in the field of design that this term began to surface frequently. Interestingly, back in my home country, India, it still seems to be a relatively light topic of discussion. Perhaps this is because many major Indian corporations may not prioritize it as much as they should, often making assumptions about their target audience without conducting in-depth research. However, as I delved deeper into my work, particularly in product design for medical equipment, I came to understand the profound significance of inclusion and why it should be a fundamental criterion in the design industry."

—Vera Kim

“Invisible Details of Interaction Design” is an article that introduces the crucial aspects of interaction design that often go unnoticed but significantly impact user experience. I found the part about the situations where interactions should be avoided particularly interesting. It reminds me of recent experiences where excessive interaction disrupted the user flow."

Design, Form & Function

The dynamic relationship between beauty and function, freedom and order in graphic design has evolved over time, with changing philosophies and trends. Should we designers try our best to remove our subjectivity from our creations as it was suggested by the Modernist ideas? In his text entitled "What design means for me" Martens would say no. His theory emphasizes an union between form and function. Aesthetic and usability are not mutually exclusive, and factors such as context, environment, and mood play a defining role in the creators decisions. Martens' critique of monotonous art without self-expression challenges the uniformity of modernist designs, raising questions about the balance between expressiveness and thoughtful individual choices in design trends. For us designers, the challenge lies in making intentional design decisions rather than merely conforming to popular trends.

—JC Clark

"I think that Martins theory on form and function accentuates the need not to only have a ‘tension’ or a ‘versus’ between the two. Whether they live in harmony or tension, the user may have different preferences given the context, environment or even mood. I believe that aesthetic designs are not necessarily usable and vise versa but this does not need to be an either/or and it the variety that makes designs unique."

—Kirsten Geiger

"Martens’ states in his text ‘What Design Means for Me’ that to him art becomes monotonous when there is no self expression. My interpretation of this was that he may have been critiquing the uniformity that comes with modernist designs (sleek, minimalist). I began to wonder about the opposite end of that spectrum- when design is expressive but lacks thoughtful choices which reflect individuality. Looking through the trends in graphic design from this past year, it’s interesting how many of these I recognise from my day to day life. How do we ensure that we’re making thoughtful design choices and not just following the crowd?"

—Sarah Saroufim

"There is a constant balancing act to be performed between beauty & function, freedom & order. Throughout the history of graphic design, philosophies change and trends come and go, each one reacting to the one that preceded it; but what are trends if not movements sparked by human ideas? How can Modernists claim to minimize the designer's subjective influence on the message when it is nearly impossible to even discuss modernist works without talking about the ideas that conceived it?"

Design & Life

The essence of humanity lies in our remarkable capacity to navigate an uncertain future and extract insights from diverse perspectives. Recently, I (the designer) encountered another (yet seasoned) designer who chose to spotlight the losses rather than the victories in his journey, an approach that surprisingly left me inspired. Witnessing the real-life implications and the rollercoaster of building a design studio added a layer of authenticity that resonated with me. Such contrast is a real factor in my life as a design professional. Sometimes I find myself in a low, stuck in trivial dilemmas such as my lack of ability in defining my own profession and if such definition truly matters. Sometimes a high, like when I see a new perspective on my processes, like recently when I was introduced to fluid identity design, challenging conventional notions of what websites, identities, and books should be. While I Increasingly walk anxiously under the looming shadow of technology over design. Provoking black-mirror-y indagations as if there will ever be an artificial replacement of (my) human abilities. Would machines be able to navigate the uncertainties of the future? Or should I start defining myself as an AI designer?

—Angelica Kramarski

"Our future depends on the condition and context in which our present unfolds. By setting aside rationality to look ahead and relying on expectations of the future based on feelings like superstition or fear, we may inadvertently hinder any alteration of our future reality and anchor ourselves to what our minds conjure temporarily."

—Cristina Miquel

"Last Wednesday's lecture has got me thinking the whole week about a dilemma I have regarding what a Product Designer is and whether it matters to have a definition. On the one hand, I feel like job titles are an absurd way of reducing what a person does day-to-day, are not descriptive enough, and may even lead to uncomfortability. On the other, I can't stop thinking about how much easier my life would be (socially) if I had a generally-and-well-known job, just like teachers or firefighters. And I still think about that."

—Emily Hsieh

"I believe the most intriguing aspect of being human is the ability to explore an uncertain future and learn from various perspectives. However, there can be feelings of anxiety and pressure at times when we cannot control certain aspects of our lives. Nevertheless, I am confident that as long as you maintain your faith, everything will ultimately transform into memorable experiences."

—Po-Hao Lee

"I was surprised Brendan decided to highlight the loses and not the wins. But that somehow made me quite inspired. It was good seeing the real life implications, ups and downs of building a design studio."

—Sachi Mavinkurve

"Their approach to fluid identity design was new to me. Through their work they questioned what websites, identities and books can be. I was very inspired by their fresh attitude towards work as designers. The way they filled the gaps of their day jobs through their practice as a studio was equally inspiring. The Spam reference as a reminder of not to be too precious about the work they put out is something that I will take forward with me."

—Zil Shah

"The text prompts self-reflection on the evolving nature of technology design. It raises questions about the balance between technology augmentation and replacement of human abilities. How can design reconcile the tension between these two approaches to ensure a harmonious relationship between humans and technology? The narrative also encourages reflection on the shift towards natural interfaces, particularly voice interactions. How might this evolution impact user experience, and what cultural considerations should be accounted for in design decisions? Moreover, considering Microsoft's experiments and the emphasis on user trust, what role does trust play in shaping effective and user-centric technology design? In essence, it invites us to ponder on the future of technology design, prompting questions about the quest for more intuitive interfaces and the ever-changing dynamics between humans and their technological counterparts."

Design & Web

A great part of our modern lives involves the web, and most of the work we do as designers is interconnected with it. Therefore, contemplating the future of the web is an important task for designers. In his compelling discourse on the web's grain, Frank Chimeros underscores the significance of embracing adaptability and advocates for a fresh perspective in designing for the ever-evolving web. Contrary to the common perception of the internet as an unregulated information hub, it functions as a managed network. This is why, when designing for a new web, prioritizing transparency, user privacy, and the incorporation of ethical practices is crucial. A meaningful way to conceptualize the web is by drawing parallels between web design and architecture. This perspective portrays them not just as digital spaces but as homes to communities, thoughts, and unique approaches, enriching the user experience with a sense of virtual dwelling.

—Alexis Kim

"The idea of metaphor websites as architecture is impressive. The article mentioned that "they are homes to communities, thoughts, and approaches... As a building, websites are where we spend our lives." From this, I wanted to design my portfolio websites with the mindset of inviting guests. Also, this makes me spend time on responsive design. What is the difference between small and big screens if the website is the building we built? Should we put intention in different screen sizes?"

—Bhroovi Gupta

"In his work "Protocol," Alexander Galloway contends that the Internet is not the unregulated information hub it is often thought to be; instead, it operates as a managed network. He mentions that "Protocol serves as a remedy for hierarchical challenges," allowing a seemingly chaotic technology to operate seamlessly."

—Dhruvil Shah

"According to Jaron Lanier, a redesigned internet should prioritize transparency, user privacy, and ethical practices, free from manipulation, negativity, conspiracies, or invasive surveillance. Trustworthiness must be its cornerstone, fostering a safer, more positive digital environment for all users."

—Zil Shah

"In a world of dynamic digital design, Frank Chimeros iterates how we should embrace adaptability and by questioning the convenience-driven tech landscape, it encourages a fresh perspective on designing for the ever-evolving web as well as navigating the complexities of our digital age. The visual metaphor at the end comparing the web to the ocean, “and actually be pleased it looks like it could go on forever”, I thought that was a beautiful reference - one that summed up the endless possibilities of the web eloquently."

—Bhroovi Gupta

"The text effectively draws insightful parallels between web design and architecture, offering a thought-provoking perspective on their shared characteristics. This comparison can inspire a deeper understanding of website design and its societal impact. I do think, though, that the text could benefit from providing concrete examples or case studies to illustrate its points. While the conceptual framework is well-articulated, specific instances would make the parallels between web design and architecture more tangible and relatable for readers."

Design & Bias

In the day to day complexity of journalism, technology, and design, our assumptions, biases, and perspectives leak into the very core of our work. To create products that are truly inclusive and equitable, we must remain vigilant in recognizing and addressing these shaping forces. The danger lies in the 'unconscious,' the very nature of biases deeply ingrained within us, limited by our backgrounds and perspectives. Decisions made in our daily work can be subtly influenced by biases and assumptions, impacting everything from the selection of data to its visual representation. One example of this would be the seemingly unoffensive representation of people as visual dots in a pool chart, which could be perceived as offensive when considering war booklogs representing people as dots as well. It's a profound realization that our individual perspectives carry inherent biases, and only through acknowledging the diverse viewpoints of others can we begin to unravel the limitations of our understanding.

—Emily Hsieh

"The article explores how decisions in journalism, design, and technology can be influenced by biases and assumptions. This affects everything from the data chosen to how it's shown. Biases, even in small design choices, can lead to exclusion. The article showcases efforts by some companies to tackle biases and emphasizes the need for diverse perspectives in design for fairness and inclusivity."

—Haoyu Chao

"The article serves as a reminder that our assumptions, biases, and perspectives shape our work, and we must be vigilant in recognizing and addressing them to create more inclusive and equitable products, services, and narratives. It encourages us to embrace diversity and seek out new perspectives to improve the quality and impact of our work in journalism, technology, and design."

—Lucy Kim

"The article highlights the profound realization that our individual perspectives are inherently biased, and it's only by acknowledging the diverse viewpoints of others that we can comprehend the limitations of our own understanding. I think it would be very challenging for both data analyst/scientist and designer/visualizer to embrace every diversity in perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to create a more comprehensive and accurate representation of the world. Data can always provide misleading information (eg. Example with Siri) and I wonder how it can be avoided. How could we come up with data that satisfies people with various perspectives? "

—Sabrina Tseng

""Unconsciously" is the most dangerous thing. But at the same time an unconscious bias is so common, with the limitation of our own background and perspective, it is so easy to be not aware of certain stereotypical thoughts that are hidden deep in the subconscious."

—Vicky Chen

"As we mentioned during class, the idea of bias and assumptions can sometimes permeate our decision making as designers to the extent that we may offend or exclude certain groups of individuals. Shapes, such as dots, to draw representation for individual humans have a long history of used for war logs and sectarian sweep in the past. There are instantces where it is appropriate to draw out the entirety of the human figure to evoke a sense of empathy from viewers but can be ineffective when the singular human figure does not represent one single individual. How can designers be able to design empathetically but also creatively or is this the case where creativity comes last?"