Showing papers in "Design Journal in 1999"
TL;DR: A case study which explores the potential of focus groups for assisting the designer in gathering data, in this case on the reaction of typical end-users to small domestic products, by working directly with the groups as moderator.
Abstract: This paper describes a case study which explores the potential of focus groups for assisting the designer in gathering data, in this case on the reaction of typical end-users to small domestic products. The designer worked directly with the groups as moderator, the logic being that in this way an enhanced understanding could be developed of the reactions of users and an improved empathy for the requirements of users from outside the socio-economic group most designers occupy. The paper firstly gives a background to focus groups as a data collection method. The methodology of the case study focus groups is described including the guiding objectives and methods of gathering and analysing data. The data from the focus groups, which is qualitative in nature, is examined. From this a discussion is conducted on the potential value of the focus group in this context and in the training of designers.
41 citations
TL;DR: The paper suggests possible managerial measures to counteract the communication problem in knitwear design, which is not recognized in the industry and is thus not counteracted.
Abstract: Communication of design information between different members of a design team is in many industries. In knitwear design it leads to inefficiency in the design process a huge problem in terms of initial sample to final product ratio and product quality. Designers who design the visual and tactile appearance of the product often fail to communicate effectively with knitwear technicians, who do much of the detail design in interpreting the design specifications to program knitting machines. These problems arise from the difficulty designers experience in expressing designs completely, accurately and consistently, which can be attributed to inherent difficulties in communicating knitwear design. The problems are exacerbated by the differences between designers and technicians, who have different cognitive styles and very little overlapping expertise. The communication problem is not recognized in the industry and is thus not counteracted. The paper suggests possible managerial measures to counteract the comm...
24 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined why large numbers of Asian clothing entrepreneurs in the West Midlands fail to upgrade business practices or to expand through using new product innovation and design techniques, and the issue presented here is especially concerned with the failure of these entrepreneurs.
Abstract: This article examines why large numbers of Asian clothing entrepreneurs in the West Midlands fail to upgrade business practices or to expand through using new product innovation and design techniques. The West Midlands is used as a case study for several reasons. The region has the highest number of Asians outside London, with over 20 per cent of all post-war immigrants from the Indian subcontinent settling in the area (Ahmed, 1990). Moreover, the setting up of small clothing manufacturing enterprises was as a result of specific circumstances. The recession of the 1970s and 1980s led to the decline of traditional industries, particularly metal and engineering. As a result of diminishing employment opportunities, small easily funded clothing enterprises were begun by large numbers of Asian entrepreneurs. Unlike other areas of Asian settlement in the Midlands and North-East, this resulted in a whole new industry for the region (Lewis, 1996). The issue presented here is especially concerned with the failure ...
4 citations
TL;DR: The use of CAD is product as discussed by the authors, and the use is widespread in the car industry, through most of the process of designing a new most uneven and various at the concept stage when stylists make their contribution.
Abstract: The use of CAD is product. Its use is widespread in the car industry, through most of the process of designing a new most uneven and various at the concept stage when stylists make their contribution. The appearance design of a new vehicle is crucial if it is to be a success in the marketplace. CAD is contributing to reducing lead times and hence to a greater responsiveness to the market. If stylists are to make their contribution effectively they need to be able to maintain the ease and productivity of conventional concept sketching, whilst adding the 3D capability of CAD. Sketch mapping provides the tools and techniques for doing this, and recent refinements to the interface have enhanced its utility.
3 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the cultural aspects of product design are considered in terms of significance and meaning, and a sense of connection between process and product is suggested as a way of creating more environmental, socially responsible and meaningful objects.
Abstract: The cultural aspects of product design are considered here in terms of significance and meaning. Industrial design, from its early Modernistic roots to the present, is briefly discussed in order to consider its positive and negative impacts, and the application of the principles of sustainability to the field is described. Development of the discipline, to embrace and articulate ethical, spiritual and environmental sensibilities is considered as a way of overcoming the instrumental and often vacuous nature of much contemporary product design. Re-establishing a sense of connection, in process and product, is suggested as a way of creating more environmental, socially responsible and meaningful objects. ‘Meaning’ itself is also described, and differentiated from ‘acquired significance’, in order to consider a more insightful and mature approach to the design of ‘the material’.
3 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined how design-intensive firms secure returns from their design innovations -also referred to as appropriability -and examined whether and under what conditions reputational sanctions are strong deterrents against imitative behaviour.
Abstract: In this study, we examined how design-intensive firms secure returns from their design innovations - also referred to as appropriability. Previous research indicated that barriers that restrain or obstruct imitation by competitors may increase the returns that ultimately accrue to innovative firms. In this study, we focused on one barrier to imitation in particular, i.e. the reputation mechanism. More precisely, we examined whether and under what conditions reputational sanctions are strong deterrents against imitative behaviour. A case study approach was considered most appropriate for our research objectives: to build theory (rather than test theory) and to gain in-depth insight into the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of determinants and strategies of appropriability of design innovations. The focus of the case analysis was upon Dutch and ltalian avant-garde design manufacturers operating in the furniture industry.The results of our case analysis indicated reputational sanctions to be an effective barrier to imitation...
2 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the key findings of a two-year Design Council funded research project to assess approaches to design management by small firms and highlight the need to raise awareness of the benefits of design investment and to train small business managers in design management.
Abstract: Design investment is treated by many government agencies as a panacea to stimulate innovation and enterprise by small businesses in Britain. Resources are available for small companies to harness design skills and talents, but how are these resources managed and what impact do they have? Can we develop a more effective use of design within this sector of industry? This paper presents the key findings of a two-year Design Council funded research project to assess approaches to design management by small firms. It was evident that many small firms lacked awareness of design and so were not confident in expending time and money to exploit their skills. In the majority of companies considerable effort had to be made by professional designers to manage the design process efficiently. The research highlights the need to raise awareness of the benefits of design investment and to train small business managers in design management.
2 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In the case of a leading mail order company, how useful are these services? Do they aid colour selection or are they an unnecessary expense? What are the risks of selecting the wrong colour? These questions and many more shall be addressed by looking at how a leading Mail Order company selects their colour palette for a season.
Abstract: Colour is one of the most complex and difficult variables which marketers have to contend with when forecasting, planning, presenting and managing ranges of fashion goods. This paper aims to contribute towards a greater understanding of some of the factors that influence decisions about colour forecasting within the textile and clothing industry. A variety of colour forecasting services are available to aid designers and buyers in colour selection. However, the earlier the colours are predicted, the more expensive the service tends to be. In the case of a leading mail order company, how useful are these services? Do they aid colour selection or are they an unnecessary expense? What are the risks of selecting the wrong colour? These questions and many more shall be addressed by looking at how a leading mail order company selects their colour palette for a season. INTRODUCTION The final colour of a product on sale to the consumer is the end result of a complex interaction of knowledge, guesswork, practical constraint, and marketing skill. Once the final colour is chosen, most of the problems associated with delivering the colour selected, under precise colour definition and control at a reasonable cost, have been solved. Technical colour management is well served by accurate measurement and colour manipulation tools and is founded on tried and tested science. By contrast, those managers whose responsibility it is to deliver successful colour selection have to rely on general principles and have few tools and measurement techniques to call upon. Costs of badly made colour decisions can be catastrophic, resulting in a loss of sales. This is a particular problem for mail order companies who are unable to rectify the situation once the catalogue has gone to print. However, even for high street retailers, selecting the wrong brightness or chroma for a product may lead to loosing market share to competitors who have managed to achieve the right balance of colours. Many researchers around the world are now recognising the importance of colour in order to reach increasingly sophisticated customers on a deeper level. From the careful observation that ‘emotions can be stirred by colour’ 1 to the more dramatic claim that ‘whoever controls colour, controls the world’ 2 it has been argued that ‘when colour has a specific, predetermined function that acts to support the overall strategy, your marketing effort can do all you’ve designed it to do’ 3 . Colour and the Consumer Colour has an important affect on consumer behaviour. It is well known that certain colours elicit feelings of excitement and other colours are considered restful and can make people feel tired. The effects of various colours on consumer perceptions have been widely studied. Table 1 lists a number of colours and their common perceptions as well as examples of marketing stimuli that have utilised these colours to elicit certain perceptions. Table 1: Common Perceptions of Colours Colour Perceptions Marketing Examples Red Powerful Dangerous Exciting Passionate Coca-Cola Fire Extinguisher Green Cool Calm Natural Gillette “sensitive skin” shaving gel Healthy Choice food products Blue Cool-cold Sad Respectful Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia laxative and antacid Brut Aqua Tonic after shave Black Cold Prestigious Sophisticated Mont Blanc pen Johnnie Walker Black Label scotch Clear Clean Pure Palmolive Sensitive Skin dishwashing liquid Seltzers beverages
2 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an approach within which various concepts are matched with the experiential, the social and the identifying nature of designs (products) and discuss how these concepts can be used in problem-finding and problem-solving in the design process.
Abstract: It is argued that in order to design for quality of life, designers should focus on the capabilities of the users and the ‘affordances’ artifacts give to these capabilities. This article provides an approach within which various concepts are matched with the experiential, the social and the identifying nature of designs (products. objects and artifacts). The author discusses how these concepts can be used in problem-finding and problem-solving in the design process.
2 citations
TL;DR: The design of a remote meter-reading system across a network of competing and collaborating companies is reported, and the way in which design-to-market processes are changing in traditional industries is commented on.
Abstract: Products and services containing hardware and software that are delivered across a network are expensive to design and carry a particularly high risk when new markets are being created in a highly competitive, global marketplace. The design and implementation of such systems in a competitive industrial environment is a relatively new art that requires distinctive skills. The rate of change in the market is so high that the resulting time pressures are changing design-to-market processes in traditional industries. Our interest is in Telecommunication Network-based Services (TNSs), a term used to describe a range of different services that rely on additions to a general communication network, such as the public telephone system, to deliver added value in the form of new products. Resulting from in-depth studies we report the design of a remote meter-reading system across a network of competing and collaborating companies. We comment on the way in which design-to-market processes are changing in our collabor...
2 citations
TL;DR: The increasing use of English for verbal and visual communication amongst the younger generation in Singapore is problematic for a government which positions Singapore competitively in an Asian region as discussed by the authors, where the issue of national identity was addressed as early as 1965, when Singapore became an independent nation, at which time the government had to consider political and economic survival in a region bordered by Malaysia and Indonesia.
Abstract: Contemporary visual communication in Singapore is influenced by consumerism, global economics and popular culture. With a population comprising mainly Chinese, Malays and Indians, Singapore might be described as the ideal Benettonesque global village. Singaporeans are educated in English with their mother tongue a compulsory second language in primary and secondary schools. The increasing use of English for verbal and visual communication amongst the younger generation might be problematic for a government which positions Singapore competitively in an Asian region. The issue of national identity was addressed as early as 1965, when Singapore became an independent nation, at which time the government had to consider political and economic survival in a region bordered by Malaysia and Indonesia.The anticipated ascent of China as the major Asian economic power during the next decade holds implications for official Singaporean policy which, since the 1970s, has emphasized multiracial ‘Asian’ values and cultur...
TL;DR: The authors in this paper report the findings of a detailed case study of Camden Community Transport's "ASTI" project to develop an enhanced door-to-door transport service for people in North London with specialist transport needs.
Abstract: This article reports the findings of a detailed case study of Camden Community Transport's ‘ASTI’ project to develop an enhanced door-to-door transport service for people in North London with specialist transport needs. ‘ASTI’ stands for ‘Accessible Sustainable Transport Integration’ and included the development of a small fleet of innovative gas and electric-powered minibuses. The partners chosen shared strong motivations that contributed to the success of the project, which was aided by Camden Community Transport's familiarity with partnership approaches to project management.The key lesson from this case study is that a successful project partnership should relate to the participants' core motivations and thus assist the development of the commercialization of their product beyond the demonstration project. If there is no obvious core interest, the project designers should seek some way to stimulate one.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the notion that the contents of a book are more than an opportunity to consider the notions at the heart of the conference: they serve as a reminder of other, unrecorded moments of the event they partially represent.
Abstract: Conference proceedings are unlike other books: whilst they have an independent life of their own, when readers meet their contents for the first time, they also have another life, in which they support the memory of previous, fleeting entities - the conference presentations. Conference delegates shared those occasions, and for them the contents of the. book are more than an opportunity to consider the notions at the heart of the conference: they serve as a reminder of other, unrecorded moments of the event they partially represent.
TL;DR: In this article, the early twentieth century debates in British motoring journals were examined to identify the important influence of craft values and practices on the emerging motor-car aesthetic, focusing on the manner in which the bespoke trade allowed an exploration of new forms which at the time could not have been achieved through mass production.
Abstract: Focusing on the early twentieth-century debates in British motoring journals, the inquiry identifies the important influence of craft values and practices on the emerging motor-car aesthetic. The paper directs attention to the manner in which the bespoke trade allowed an exploration of new forms which at the time could not have been achieved through mass production. It will be shown that the coachbuilt body, by setting standards on the use of material and finish, played a critical part in establishing new thinking on matters of style and styling that was perceived to be distinctly British. An introductory outline, the paper offers good reasons for further investigation of the contribution of the crafts to an emerging industrial design culture, and a clearer recognition of the car's place in the history of crafts.
TL;DR: A computer-aided calligraphy process has been developed that generates variants of the letters of the original input calligraphic alphabets in a manner that is analogous to the variations in hand-produced work.
Abstract: We appear to have a compulsion to try to give computers creative powers. Thisis most clearly seen in the arts, where we can find examples of attempts to go beyond using computers as tools that only assist in the creative process. Early computer art was very crude but computer hardware and software now offer facilities that creative artists can exploit to the full.Building on early research into using the computer to generate original letterforms, a computer-aided calligraphy process has been developed. A random algorithm generates variants of the letters of the original input calligraphic alphabets in a manner that is analogous to the variations in hand-produced work. By using appropriate inks and papers, the calligraphy produced has an archival permanence.The aim is not simply to replicate hand-produced script. It is argued that the system produces genuinely individual creative calligraphy.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the issues that surround the security of fabric designs and the problems created by the increasing propensity for popular designs to be copied by disreputable traders.
Abstract: There is a growing role for design innovation in the furnishings fabric sector in the UK. Not only in the domestic market, but also in export markets, design competition has become a major factor in commercial success. However, copying is increasingly seen as a commercial threat to design-conscious firms. Copyright protection for surface design, enshrined in the legal system in the UK and elsewhere, is a major asset in enabling firms to challenge cases of design infringement. This paper explores the issues that surround the security of fabric designs and the problems created by the increasing propensity for popular designs to be copied by disreputable traders. It reports on a survey which investigated the incidences of copying within the UK furnishing fabric industry, and the responses of firms to the discovery of an infringement, both at home and abroad. Finally, specific policy issues are highlighted along with practical suggestions that firms may implement to challenge potential infringers.
TL;DR: A transcript of an interview between David Walker and Robin Roy that took place in January 1999 about the origins, aims, research achievements and the future development of the Design Innovation Group (DIG) can be found in this article.
Abstract: This contribution is an edited transcript of an interview between David Walker and Robin Roy that took place in January 1999 about the origins, aims, research achievements and the future development of the Design Innovation Group (DIG). Robin and David founded the DIG in 1979 at the Design Discipline (now the Department of Design and Innovation), the Open University (OU). Robin has headed the DIG since its establishment and growth into a two-centre group with branches at the OU and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST).