Design’s influence & influences on design.
What influences design, and what does design influence?
This task is from the field of Object design.
You will learn about how various factors influence design and when these factors are carefully considered, how they can create impactful designs. Additionally, you will also explore how design can influence human experiences. With a focus on being more environmentally conscious and socially responsible, you will investigate Circular design and how it integrates various aspects of sustainable design.
During the Development stage of the Design Process, you will apply your knowledge to your own designs and annotations. You will demonstrate your skills through the creation of two and three-dimensional documentation drawings that effectively communicate your design ideas. Additionally, you will employ rendering techniques to show textures and to accurately depict light, tone, and shadows.
outcome
What students need to do
ON COMPLETION OF THIS UNIT THE STUDENT SHOULD BE ABLE TO
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develop a sustainable object, considering design’s influence and factors that influence design.
(VCE VCD Study Design 2024 – 28 p.24. )
Introduction
The profession of design is intertwined with societies, cultures and histories in which it is made. The form and function of designs are influenced and shaped by the contexts where designers work. Designs are products of their times.
Designs are made to fulfil the needs of users or to respond to opportunities perceived by designers or clients. However, not all design solutions respond to needs, designers can also create new ways for people to act, think, live and work. In this way, design leads society and influences us by shaping the very context within which it exists.
Context shapes design and design shapes context.
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MAKING DESIGN MEANINGFUL
Design has the power to shape user behaviours and transform interactions between individuals and products. Students will consider economic, technological, cultural, and social contexts, and how designers can create solutions that resonate with users and promote positive outcomes. Additionally, students will explore how design plays a crucial role in addressing environmental concerns, focusing on sustainability, and minimizing negative impacts. Understanding the influence of design on these various aspects is essential for creating meaningful and effective designs.
key knowledge
What we will learn about
key knowledge points for this outcome
- Influences on design such as economic, technological, cultural, environmental and social factors
- The influence of design on behaviours, interactions, systems and outcomes
(VCE VCD Study Design 2024-28, p. 25)
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE DESIGN
Decisions designers make regarding the look and function of design concepts and solutions during each stage of the Design Process are not made haphazardly or randomly. They are made in response to the constraints and expectations set in the brief, the wishes of their client and other stakeholders and to meet the needs of audiences and users. However, what exactly drives these three kinds of needs?
Design is greatly influenced by a range of factors. Economic factors drive designers to consider cost-efficiency, market demand, and profitability when creating products. Technological advancements provide new materials, tools, and manufacturing techniques that shape the possibilities of design. Cultural influences guide designers to incorporate aesthetics, symbols, and values that resonate with specific target audiences. Environmental factors urge designers to adopt sustainable practices, prioritize eco-friendly materials and minimise environmental impact. Social factors, such as user needs, and societal trends, influence design choices to ensure inclusivity and user-centric solutions. The interplay of these factors moulds the design process and impacts the success of the final design.
The factors that have been identified in the study of Visual Communication Design are;
- Economic
How cost and budget considerations shape design solutions - Technological
How non-digital and digital processes facilitate and improve design and design outcomes - Cultural
How the values and beliefs of people exert influence on the kinds of design solutions made - Environmental
How sustainability and eco-conscious design methods impact on choices of materials, manufacturing methods and produce life cycles - Social
How civic and societal responsibilities and trends ensure that design solutions meet the needs of more people in fair and equitable ways
For further detailed information on the factors that influence design visit the page linked below.
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Factors influence design
DESIGN’S POSITIVE INFLUENCE
Design plays a pivotal role in shaping various aspects of our lives, ranging from physical objects and spaces to digital interfaces and complex systems. It includes the thoughtful consideration of how things look, function, and interact. In this section, students will explore the influence of design on people’s behaviours, interactions, systems, and outcomes, with a highlight on design’s ability to shape human experiences and drive positive change. There are several different ways design can be a positive influence for people:
Design and Behaviours
Designs have a profound impact on human behaviours. The way things are designed can influence how people act, think, and feel. By considering human psychology, ergonomics, and cognitive processes, designers can create products and environments that encourage desired behaviours. For example, well-designed urban spaces can promote physical activity and social interaction, while intuitive user interfaces can facilitate efficient and enjoyable interactions with technology. Through deliberate design choices, designers can shape user’s behaviours and promote positive outcomes.
Design and Interactions
Effective design has the power to enhance and facilitate interactions between individuals, groups, and systems. In the digital realm, user experience (UX) design focuses on optimizing interactions between users and technology. For example, intuitive navigation, clear information hierarchy, and responsive interfaces can improve usability and create seamless interactions. In the physical world, design considerations like spatial layout, signage, and accessibility features can influence how people engage and connect with their surroundings. Design plays a crucial role in facilitating effective communication, collaboration, and engagement among people and systems.
Design and Systems
Design has a significant impact on the creation and functioning of systems, whether they are physical, digital, or social. Systems design involves considering the interconnectedness of various elements and the broader implications of design choices. A well-designed system considers factors such as efficiency, scalability, adaptability, and sustainability. Whether it's designing transportation networks, airports, or housing, the thoughtful application of design principles can lead to more robust, resilient, and user-centred systems.
design for impact
Watch this video to see how design has an impact on the creation and functioning of systems.
Design and Outcomes
The outcomes of any product are deeply influenced by the design choices made along the way. By aligning design with society’s goals and values, designers can shape outcomes that are both desirable and meaningful. In object design, for instance, the consideration of user needs and desires can result in products that resonate with their intended audience and drive commercial success.
task
Show I know ...
1.1 Factors influene
Your teacher may split the class into 5 groups with each group being allocated a factor (social, economic, cultural, environmental or technological). Students research how their assigned factor influences object design. Each group presents their findings to the class.
1.2 Analysis on design
Go to the Forcite MK1S motorcycle helmets site on Good Design Australia and read through the challenge, solution, impact and more tabs. Respond to the following questions:
- What social factors were considered in the design of this motorcycle helmet?
- What is the importance of technological factors in this design?
- How have the designers considered sustainability?
- What economic factors might have been considered?
1.3 Design's influence
Select an object you use daily for discussion. It may be a digital device. Consider it in relation to these four aspects:
- Design and Behaviours: What is one aspect of its design that influences the way you behave? Does that behaviour satisfy you?
- Design and Interactions: How do you interact with the design? Is using it intuitive? In what way is it or not? Does interacting with the design improve your well-being?
- Design and Systems: Is there any evidence that the design solution has considered the system in which it exists? Is it recyclable, can it be re-purposed, will it leave waste?
- Design and Outcomes: Does the design outcome (the product) meet your needs? If so, how or if not, why not? How could it be improved?
- Overall verdict: Does the design solution you selected influence behaviour positively and contribute to a better world for all?
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A HEALTHIER PLANET
The value of sustainable and Circular design practices is multi-faceted. They offer environmental benefits, helping to mitigate climate change, reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and protect ecosystems. By minimizing waste and optimizing resource use, these practices contribute to a more efficient and resilient economy. They also promote social value by considering the well-being of communities, workers, and future generations. Students will learn how sustainable and circular design can enhance product performance, user experiences, and brand reputation, leading to increased customer satisfaction and market competitiveness.
key knowledge
What we will learn about
key knowledge points for this outcome
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sustainable and circular design practices, and their value
(VCE VCD Study Design 2024-28, p. 25)
SUSTAINABLE AND CIRCULAR DESIGN PRACTICES
Everything we use, every path we take and every room we enter has been designed. However, many of these things are designed under the influence of economic factors. Just how much of what we use and where we live and work has been designed, intentionally and by using sustainable design practices including sourcing of re-growable materials, using renewable energy sources and minimising waste? It is at this point in our history that a change must be made to protect our environment. Sustainability means using the Earth’s resources in ways that can continue, infinitely without causing harm to the environment and its fragile ecosystems. Circular design practices mean design using the methodology of the Circular economy. In this, products, systems and environments are acknowledged to be part of the cycle of life. Designers in the Circular economy make choices that reflect their understanding of the value of the Earth’s resources and materials, provide opportunities for the repair of products, ways to re-use, re-purpose, share and re-engineer and build them in such a way as to ensure that their component parts can be separated easily so the materials can be recycled, reprocessed and born again without entering landfill and oceans, where they damage the environment.
As student designers, it is our responsibility to learn how to change the path of design that has been used since the Industrial Revolution in the late 1700s. It is time to intentionally design for social and environmental good and ensure that people, audiences and users truly benefit from the powers that good design can bring.
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Circular Design Practices
task
Show I know ...
2.1 Learn about sustainable and circular design practices
2.2 Illustrate Sustainable Design practices
Your teacher will divide the class into three groups. The groups are; the Linear economy, sustainable design practices and the Circular economy. Each group is to make a presentation on their topic. In the presentation create the following materials;
- A graphic to explain the topic
- The main points and influences of the topic
- One design solution example that reflects the principles of the topic
Each group should present to the class and, if possible create a chart to hang on the classroom wall to remind everyone of these three key design methodologies.
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VISUAL COMMUNICATION PRACTICES IN OBJECT DESIGN
In the assessment task following, students will demonstrate their proficiency in two and three-dimensional documentation drawings, applying the correct technical drawing conventions. They will also demonstrate rendering techniques that effectively depict light sources, shadows, and surface textures. Furthermore, students will apply visual communication design terminology in their annotations for development drawings, highlighting their understanding and application of key design concepts.
key knowledge
What we will learn about
key knowledge points for this outcome
- manual and digital methods, design elements and principles relevant to the design of three-dimensional objects
- rendering techniques used to simulate surfaces, materials, texture and form, and depict the direction of light, shade and shadow
- technical drawing conventions appropriate for the documentation of object designs
- appropriate design terminology
(VCE VCD Study Design 2024-28, p. 25)
Manual and digital methods in object design
Coming up with design ideas and developing design concepts often relies on drawing skills. Drawing is the main means for students to visualise their ideas. The drawing methods for visualising ideas are usually two and three-dimensional sketching. This is done with a pencil, biro or fine-tip marker. In addition, some designers prefer to work in 3D right from the get-go. For this, they use low-fi prototyping. The methods for this include cutting and assembly of cheap and at-hand materials such as cardboard, foam and balsa wood. Low-fi prototyping allows designers to get a feel for a product in a real and tangible way. Something drawings could never yield. For further information on Design ideas, concepts and solutions and drawing methods designers use, explore the pages linked below.
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Design Ideas, Concepts & Solutions
Methods
Development drawings
Development drawings expand on design ideas made from insights found during the Define stage of the Design Process. These drawings may be made using manual or digital methods and media and are completed during the Develop and Deliver stages of the Design Process.
Development drawing using the free CAD software; Tinkercad. Eunice Abis.
Development drawing using the free CAD software; Tinkercad. Eunice Abis.
Documentation drawings
Documentation drawings for object design include both two-dimensional drawings (Third Angle orthogonal and Packaging nets) as well as three-dimensional drawings (Isometric and Perspective). These kinds of drawings use rules known as Technical Drawing conventions. These require the designer to set out their drawings and use lines, scale, symbols and annotations in certain ways. Students can find the conventions for each kind of technical drawing linked from the Methods page. Technical drawings can be completed manually and digitally. When working digitally, students can use a vector-based drawing program or CAD.
A Third Angle Orthogonal drawing of a wooden toy block. This drawing is formed with the conventions for technical drawings.
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Third Angle Orthogonal
Packaging Net
Isometric
One-Point Perspective
Two-Point Perspective
Prototyping
The role of low-fi prototyping.
Low and High Fidelity Prototypes
Low-fidelity is a quick way of visualising, developing and testing design ideas and concepts using cheap and available materials. Take a look at this video to learn about how low-fi prototyping was used in an engineering design project.
High-fidelity prototyping gives a more refined finish to a design concept. It shows what the final materials will look like. High-fidelity models may or may sometimes have working parts and are often made by specialists. Below is an example of a progression from low-fidelity to high-fidelity prototypes.
Rendering
Rendering is the term given to colouring in and shading a drawing. It is both a verb: ‘She is rendering a chair’ and a noun: ‘This is a rendering of a chair’. Rendering is used to enhance an object’s form and make a realistic representation of design ideas, concepts and solutions. Techniques for rendering involve the use of shading, highlighting, and adding texture to create realistic or stylised representations of objects. Renderings help communicate the intended visual appearance, surface qualities, and materials of the design. Rendering uses a range of wet and dry media. They may also be completed using manual or digital methods.
Image of student or teacher Object rendering.
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Rendering
task
Show I know ...
3.1 Design ideas and concepts
3.2 Drawing vs Low-fi Prototyping
Please note: Teachers can divide the class into two groups, or divide table groups into halves or ask each student to complete both tasks below.
We have been asked to design a desk organiser to hold pens, pencils, rubbers and small desk items. We will make some design ideas using both visualisation drawing sketches and low-fidelity prototyping. Following this task, we will evaluate the success of each method.
Visualisation sketching
Create one A3 page of a range of ideas for a desk organiser. Use two or three-dimensional sketching.
Low-fi prototyping
Create a low-fidelity prototype of a desk organizer using foam board, paper, card or available materials to test different compartment sizes, shapes, and organizational features.
Students annotate their designs explaining design choices and application of the design elements and principles. They then evaluate the best points of each two and three-dimensional method. Which is better for what?
3.3 Observational drawing
Complete an observational drawing in colour of an object in the classroom such as a pencil sharpener, stapler, calculator, etc. Render it carefully to enhance the form, cast shadows and textures of your selected object.