While surfing the web I came across a small design caption relating a sink to a waterfall. This made me think back to our EQ3 tour and how their designers travel the world in search of inspiration. Not only can one receive inspiration through other design, but one can also find it in nature.
This designer created a bathroom basin with inspiration from the Icelandic waterfalls. It is a simple looking design which I find more interesting when thought of in relation to what inspired it. One could argue that the natural environment around us is our greatest, most useful tool in design.
Link: http://www.playmedesign.com/2008/10/snorri-by-logi-hrafn-kristjnsson.html
I really enjoyed our trip to EQ3. It got me thinking about the other areas of design, industrial design being one of them. I never really thought about how much thought and time goes into the creation of a lamp or chair. Even the simplest looking designs take several months from drawing board to showroom. Sitting in studio for 10 days and speed creating an original design almost tricks us into thinking that this is how it’s done in the real world. Although, I guess this way prevents us from getting bored of our design, as some of the EQ3 designers had explained happens to them.
Overall, it was great to take a look at the whole process of creating a product/design built to suit the needs of Canadians today. It was interesting to hear how behind we are in design in relatlon to many countries in Europe. This doesn’t seem to be a bad thing since designing takes nearly a year from start to finish. If design inspiration like this wasn’t available to us, who know what EQ3 stores would look like. I’m sure the public would get pretty bored, pretty fast.
I found it interesting that the EQ3 design team went to shows in Europe for inspiration and ideas for new designs, and how they mentioned that Europe is about 2 years ahead of North America in design. Coincidentally i was surfing the web this week browsing around at furniture, and a site called European Living stuck out to me. My first impression of their upholstery designs was that they look terribly uncomfortable. All the designs are very modern and simple. Almost like an arrangement of different size boxes. Many pieces contain only 90 degree corners, everything is square. These pieces look aesthetically pleasing, but not very functional. I wouldn’t want to relax and watch TV, or even sit for a few hours visiting with friends on a style like that. Is this where design is moving?
For pictures and more information visit www.europeanliving.com
My favourite part about today’s EQ3 fieldtrip was actually the question period which followed the presentation. The powerpoint presentation was insightful, it gave me a real idea about the process involved when developing a new design. I worked in the customer service department in Palliser at the beginning of 2008, so i had some understanding of product development. I’ve had the opportunity to test out new designs before they are sent out to a show. But i felt that the information i recieved during the question period stuck out to me.
1. Patience: since the design process is long, from 6-12 months for appolstery and 8-12 for case goods. Patience is required since an idea has to go through many stages before it is complete.
2. The reality of constraints. We may be able to dream up crazy designs, but a select few individuals are successful with extreme design. Not all of us can be a Frank Gehry. In reality we will have to deal with budget constraints, put aside our personal preferences, design for the public, produce a marketable product that will sell.
