Learning Portfolio 1 (Week 10)
May 28, 2009Critical Analysis of Article – Week 10
Aesthetics is the artistic way in which something is presented and the way it is presented. It is used mainly in design to attract an audience and to meet the needs and please the target audience(s).
Aesthetic: (noun)
“A branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, taste, the creation and appreciation of beauty”
– Merriam – Webster
The article in which I am analysing argues the issue of aesthetic designs and whether it is easier used than less aesthetic designs. Although aesthetic designs are favoured amongst society, and often perceived as being ‘easier’ to use, there is no way of evaluating whether this is true or false unless proper research is conducted.
In order to establish whether or not aesthetic designs a re a feasible way of design for you, you must establish whether or not it is important for you as a person to present your design in a way that best describes you and your way of thinking. On the website Aesthetic Designs, the designers have explained their ideas of design and the way in which beauty and nature influence their thoughts of design through identity, graphics, web, motion, music and video. (Aesthetic Designs)
It is often discussed that aesthetic design holds much more purpose than to just be artistic and beautiful. Notcot.org explains “Domestic Aesthetic makes eco-conscious goods.” (Notcot.Org)
Not only can aesthetic designs be proposed by the materials they are made from and the way they are formed, but can be distinguished also by the colours they are. For example, the colour pink can show or represent how “sensual experiences, like smell, are an integral part of Aesthetic Design.” (Casey & Martens,pg. 53, 2007)
References
Croce, B. (2006) Aesthetic as Science of Expression and General Lingusitic. BiblioBazaar/Bibliolife LLC P.O. Box 21206 Charleston, SC 29413
Notcot.Org. For your Ideas+Aesthetic+Amusement (2006-2008) Retrieved 27 May, 2009, from http://www.notcot.org/post/17118/
DeTnk, A New Way of Collecting Design (2008) Retrieved 25 May, 2009, from http://www.detnk.com/month/2008/07?page=1
Casey, E., Martens, L. (2007) Gender and Consumption: Domestic Cultures and the Commercialisation of Everyday Life . Ashgate Publishing; illustrated edition
ACTIVITY
Products found in everyday life that reflect the aesthetic principle.
Product one : Serving Dishes (can be used for dips, etc)
Although this product can be often seen as simple, the aesthetic way of design allows a designer to take something relatively simple and make it artistic and look unique. This is shown in the image below of the serving dish used to reflect aesthetic design. The dish adopts the aesthetic design principle through its unique presentation and the way it reflects nature and beauty. The materials used to make this item is wood, which is a material from nature and is often used to make furniture and other beautiful and unique creations.
Domestic Aesthetics
http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/05/23/domestic-aesthetic-housewares/
Image two : Candle holders
Candles are ofte seen as therapeutic and relaxing. As well as candles being relaxing, the water and nature are seen as holding much power in the relaxation of people. In the image, the candle holders are shaped like pebbles, which are often used in sign of peace and also to reflect serenity and calmness. The candle holders, like the dishes above, are also made from a wd material, adopting the sense of nature and also giving the pieces a sense of uniqueness and beauty. Both of these images were supplied from the same website and also created by the same designer
Domestic Aesthetics 2
http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/05/23/domestic-aesthetic-housewares/
Plate - Language of Domestic Aesthetics
http://www.detnk.com/month/2008/07?page=1
Language is often used as a means of expression and artistic way of presentation. In the image above, the plate is branded with the word BLAME and although it is reasonably simple looking, it represents the aesthetic design principles as it represents a beauty that often cant be seen by all, but holds greater power than the average dinner plate.
The designer Karen Ryan states ”Each discarded plate is individually chosen and used as a canvas full of its original language of domestic aesthetics. These existing aesthetics are juxtaposed with emotive words that are both ironic and poignant. The words become the only remnant of the original pattern as the remaining surface is removed.” (DeTnk, 2008)
