Design in Our Lives

Everything used in the modern world has a degree of functionality and follows a specific design pattern. Design dictates the stability of structures which are necessary for living in a technological age.  The study of the functionality of design is known as ergonomics. Ergonomics can be broken down into two separate categories: that of high functionality and that of low functionality. 

High functionality, in design, can be defined as the positive effectiveness of an object or structure. This is shown through application and use of the model. Marcel Breuer’s “Chaise Longue” fits into the category of high functionality. The piece’s title resonates the purpose of the structure. The longue creates a relaxing mood by elevating one’s legs and relaxing one’s back. This is useful for those who have physically strenuous occupations, for it allows one to relieve stress put on the legs during the day of work. Another example of a design encompassing high functionality is Massoud Hassain’s “Mine Kaffon Wind-Powered Deminer.” The title may be lacking brevity, but the piece itself is far from lackluster. Constructed from biodegradable materials, the “deminer” is deployed over minefields to activate and explode hidden landmines. Fueled by the wind, the deminer uses natural energy to power itself. Upon destruction, the parts from the deminer can be recycled and used in the creation of a new piece. 

Low functionality, on the other hand, usually befits the design that is not practical for everyday use. The piece titled “2000 Year Calendar” by John Maeda is that of low functionality. The calendar, although intriguing, would not be practical due to the sheer size of the paper required to print such an endeavor. The text is too small to read without a microscope, and the weight of the paper would be too heavy for one to pick up. A way to improve on the functionality is to copy the information digitally. If digitalized, one can easily search/scroll through the calendar. Another example of low functionality is Gebrue der Thonet’s “Stool (Model B357).” Although held together by plated steel tubing, the material used for the seat part is flimsy. Without support from underneath, the canvas could easily rip or tear if a sharp object pierced through it. A way to improve upon this design is to add a structure underneath the canvas, adding support for the stool. 

Although high functionality is ideal, a design can be “good” regardless of functionality. “2000 Year Calendar” has a very unique design for something only existing in one’s imagination. If there were a reason for a two millennia calendar, this design would be amongst the foremost for consideration. Although artistic, the design is impractical and therefore possesses low functionality. Here we can see the divide between artist and the designer. Art is driven by the evocation of emotions. Design is driven by science. Design, however, can be done in a creative way and still have high functionality. The mathematics behind design is almost an art form within the science. 

Ergonomics defines the functionality in design, whether it be of high or low functionality. Functionality is directly related to practical application. The more practical the use of the structure, the higher functionality it has. Although a model can possess low functionality, it can still have significant design. In relative to the art world, design is prevalent when it comes to creation and structure. Everything man made has some form of design, including art. However, not all design is portrayed in a creative/artful way. The dividing line between the two is human emotion.

Marcel Breuer

"Chaise Longue"

Bent birch and upholstered cushion

1935-1936

Massoud Hassain

"Mine Kaffon Wind-Powered Deminer"

Bamboo and bio-degradable plastics

2011 

John Maeda

"2000 Year Calendar"

Offset lithographs

1995

Gebrue der Thonet

"Stool (Model B357)"

Chrome-plated steel tubing and canvas

1932