Design has been focused on developing products or objects using new technologies to revolutionise the way we live and work. However, in doing so it has removed the humanity from products leaving many people emotionally disconnected from today’s products. For this reason nowadays there is not as great a need for “better” or “bigger” products but rather products which return the human to the centre of control.
David Kelley’s video The future of design is human-centered highlights the need for people to be able to touch, feel and interact with products which is being accomplished by building a behavior or personality into products. This is even evident in the design stages as there have been changes to the design process. This is 3D renderings and models being replaced with videos demonstrating the objects in motion and how they will be used. Some current design projects discussed in the video which have directly addressed this need include a new Prada retail store in New York, H2EYE’s Spyfish and Approtec and are using this new method to convey their use.
The Prada store in New York is revolutionizing the clothes shopping experience by removing the mundanity and frustration one often experiences and replacing it with efficiency and enjoyable experience. This is achieved through the scanning and display system so buyers can instantly see what sizes and colours are available and how they looked on the runway. Similarly the liquid crystal glass front for the change rooms for instant privacy and the ‘magic mirror’ so you can see how you look add to the revolutionary and enjoyable experience the new Prada store accomplishes. This example puts into direct view the importance of customer service in the retail industry.
The Spyfish by H2EYE is a great product which is making the experience of scuba diving available to more people who perhaps do not want to scuba dive or are physically unable to do so. By means of what is essentially a remotely controlled underwater video device. Since the product aims to put the user in the centre of control and is not harmful to what is under the sea I believe it is a great product which will bring a lot of joy to many people. Spyfish has also pushed the boundaries of technology primarily with the ultra thin umbilical cable. This has reduced the size of the machine making the user feel less disconnected from what is happening under the sea than if it was a large cumbersome connection.
Approtec is a non-profit Kenyan organisation started entirely by one man which is taking Kenyan entrepreneurs and creating small businesses which address many pressing needs. Including the creation of jobs and opportunities and producing products which allow for a greater standard of living for many Kenyans. For this reason I believe Approtec has been great in achieving products as simple as a hand operated pump which emphasises the needs of user. Approtec is a great example of what one person can do to better the lives of so many all from one mans great idea, generosity and deication.
This video is critical for industrial designers as it shows the direction that design is taking for the future, this being the issue of returning the pleasure of interaction between objects and users to products being designed. Thus human centered design should be a serious consideration when one takes on a design project and should be thoroughly investigated to ensure the greatest chance at success.
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