Abstract This paper examines the furniture designs of one of the Bauhaus' most famous designers, Marcel Breuer (in the context of the Bauhaus and the modern movement). The paper argues that Breuer's furniture designs reflect the overall Bauhaus interest in the application of industrial mass production to the creation of domestic spaces defined by quality design. The writer explains that although the Bauhaus was to only exist for a few short years before its closing by Germany's Nazi government in 1933, its ethos can be seen to be reflected in much of Breuer's innovations in furniture design. The writer also notes that Marcel Breuer's furniture design would prove so enduring and popular that it came to be characteristic of the modern movement. The writer concludes that in situating Breuer within the context of the Bauhaus, we can see how his modernist vision evolved from an emphasis upon aesthetic principles to a focus upon the primacy of industrial design that may be inexpensively reproduced through mass production techniques. An annotated bibliography is appended.
Outline:
Introduction
The Bauhaus Vision
Marcel Breuer and Modern Furniture Design Conclusion
From the Paper "The Bauhaus School that came into being in Germany in the wake of the First World War represented arguably the single most influential school in the history of modern design. Headed by figures such as Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe, and defined by a socially egalitarian ethos that envisioned industrial production as the key to presenting quality designed products for the general public, the Bauhaus was to play a critical role in the shaping of how the twentieth century perceived modern design."
Abstract This paper looks at the different factors that need to be addressed when designing hand-held power tools. The author argues that when ergonomic factors are Incorporated into their design, there are less instances of injury, less sick days, and production is increased as a result.
From the paper:
"A well-designed tool can provide a number of important advantages that can be immediately noticeable. Ergonomically designed hand-tools contribute to the prevention of injuries which will then increase productivity on a continuous basis, improve the quality of the products produced, and reduce the absenteeism in a company for health related causes. Properly controlling the ergonomic factors such as the physical loads a person exerts (through the design of the handle and trigger), vibrations, and noise of the hand tool will decrease the chances of an injury occurring on the job."
Tags: ergonomics, hand, held, power, tools, workplace, injury, design, production
Abstract This essay looks at participatory design and in particular its applications in computer design. According to the paper, the goal of the participatory design is to obtain a more active user involvement in system design so that the system itself is improved. There are many advantages to participatory design one of which is a better product but there are also disadvantages. Coordination and the communication between such a diverse group may be a problem.
From the Paper "The goal of participatory design is to obtain a more active user involvement in system design so that the system itself is improved. In computer technology, through participatory design both software designers and software users work on the design and development of the software. In participatory design users provide continual feedback to designers as they develop the system. In computer design in particular this leads to a better product and the quality of the computer application designed is improved in the sense that the application better fits the needs of the users. According to Fiorilli, (1997) "the diversity of representation on a design team expands the knowledge base on which the system is build".
Abstract This paper considers how graphic design was much influenced by technological developments in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and continues to be influenced by new developments in technology, with computer-aided graphic design being a current example. The paper further discusses how graphic design came into its own as a separate discipline in the late nineteenth century, though the art of arranging text and image to convey a message is much older in practice. Graphic design as a discipline came with the development of various technological shifts allowing for such arrangements on a mass scale through the arts of photography, printing, and widespread dissemination.
Abstract Website design is a relatively new and developing art, but a number of concepts are used to shape the design of a website in order to appeal to the eye and to be easy to navigate as well. Such a design is especially important for any sort of web commerce, whether direct in terms of selling to people online, or as a means of marketing products and services that are then sought out in the brick-and-mortar world.
This paper examines an approach to testing website design which uses a design testing method that determines how consumers react to the site and how well they are able to access and navigate the menu and the individual pages. In assessing this approach, the paper references the sites of Circuit City, Best Buy, and Staples.
Abstract A discussion of product and/or service design which is vital to the success of any business. It explains how service design enables a business to stay competitive by improving quality. It details the important elements of product/service design from a workflow perspective,and for process examination and integration. It includes examples of companies that provide business software solutions such as: Centra, TrainNet and more.
From the Paper "Centra (NASDAQ: CTRA) is the leading provider of business software solutions for live eLearning and real-time collaboration. It has an undisputed track record of helping millions of users to increase revenue and improve overall business performance. Centra provides Web collaboration solutions that enable the delivery of information in a variety of live and self-service formats (Business Wire 2002). It also helps add value through unmatched capabilities to capture interactions and content, personalize and manage this information, and instantly re- use it across the enterprise. Hundreds of global organizations that span across every industry and market sector choose Centra, including Exxon Mobil, Cadbury Schweppes, Citigroup, AT&T, Procter & Gamble, and Nationwide Insurance."
Abstract This paper explores the differences between the logical and physical design of networks. It includes an example of the differences, and considers the relationship between the two. The paper looks at fundamental design issues.
From the Paper "Creating an effective network environment requires taking a variety of factors into account, weighing these against resource constraints both time and money to determine the most effective architecture ..."
Abstract This paper examines the U.S. women's designer shoes niche, identifying major designers and characterizing the niche's place in the market. It discusses why designer shoes are not just footwear but a status symbol. The paper looks at prominent shoe designers.
From the Paper "Women's designer shoes-the top brands in the country-have found a highly profitable niche in the U S market. For the purposes of this paper only non-athletic non-casual designer shoes will be considered ..."
Abstract The paper is a business plan for "Designonline", an online interior design company with a potential client base of millions. The paper analyzes how the company makes use of two trends in American society: the trend toward do-it-yourself projects and the trend toward improving interior design in residential buildings. The company also makes use of the increasing power of home computers by offering simulation iconography and three-dimensional design that is both powerful enough to create designs with our tutorials, and simple enough for the average computer-literate consumer to use successfully.
Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Description of Company
Industry Analysis
Objectives
Mission
Competitive Comparison
Technology and Challenges
My Role in the New Company
From the Paper "Those with large incomes generally hire an interior designer to assist them; those without that level of income have fallen between the cracks, unless they opted for the one-stop Ethan Allen method. Designonline's challenge will be to successfully market to those with "Ethan Allen" incomes who do not wish to be locked into Ethan Allen products, and but are willing to do it themselves to create a more attractive home."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is an evaluation of playgrounds, with specific attention to how playgrounds promote fine and gross motor development in children aged 3-7. The intent of the study is to review previously designed playgrounds and assess their efficacy at developing fine and gross motor skills using a five point check list. In addition, the results of the study are used to develop a theory regarding ways that designers can improve on the traditional playground design to make a playground more likely to help develop children's fine and gross motor development.
This study focuses on whether traditional play equipment is appropriate for the natural play of children and for encouraging fine and gross motor development in children.
Outline:
Methodology
Research Design Data Analysis
Definitions of Dependent Measures
Statistical Analysis
Anticipated Results
Conclusions/Discussion
References
From the Paper "To assess teacher perceptions of activities that may enhance gross and fine motor development, the author also proposes surveying no less than five teachers working with children at the elementary level to assess their views regarding gross and fine motor development in children at the playground. To achieve this the researcher proposes use of a short semi structured interview questionnaire that will prompt teachers to provide open ended responses to questions assessing the efficacy of current equipment at enhancing gross and fine motor development in children. The primary focus of this research will be to gain ideas for insights as to design improvements that may be made to help promote greater fine and gross motor development in children. The researcher will compare the information gathered from this portion of the research with information gathered from the Meta analysis to provide a well rounded discourse on proper design enhancements for promoting development in children using playgrounds."
Abstract The paper discusses the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, the greatest and most influential architect in the history of American art and design who gave us some of the most beautiful and dazzling structures. The author explains how he is remembered mainly for his residential houses as he was the first architect to change the design of American houses to make them suitable for modern living although he gained fame international fame with his design of Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
From the Paper "American should be proud of those who have given it the reputation of being the country with most talented people. It should praise those who have added a new dimension to its art, literature and architecture. The reason being that a country is known by the people who belong to it and some of these people by the power of sheer genius can take their country to new heights of fame and pride. America boasts of numerous highly talented people in various fields, but it has only very few well-known personalities in the field of architecture and design. This is not because the country does not provide encouraging and conducive environment, but it is because of the nature of the work itself. Ceramics, Architecture and lighting may appear to be rigid fields, which allow introduction of new techniques, and style only rarely but it all depends on the magnitude of creative genius residing within the one who enters this area. Very few people in these fields art, design and ceramic work can bring dramatic changes to previous styles and design and introduce better techniques and give the country its own architectural identity. One such person was the American architect and artist, Frank Lloyd Wright."
Abstract System analysis and design are the most fundamental and essential aspects in developing successful information systems. The paper shows that these procedures analyze basic business processes and design appropriate information systems to facilitate these processes. The paper explains why system analysis and design are so important, after defining information systems.
From the Paper "With the goals of information systems in mind, it is essential then that system analysis and design are employed in developing an IS. Beginning with system analysis, it is the phase in which the requirements for a new information system are identified. The deficiencies in the current system and the opportunities for improvement are investigated and documented. Secondly, user requirements and accept criteria are stated. Thirdly, system analysis recognizes the restrictions on the new system and offers alternatives. Overall, the objective here is to produce an overview of an organization and its processes (in other words, how data flow) that will allow the logical design of a method for transforming the data."
Abstract This paper discusses the organizational design of the Disney company, and compares its organizational design in its base country of the United States with its organizational design in the foreign market. It looks at Disney's diversified product strategy.
From the Paper "When Walt Disney opened an amusement park in the middle of Southern California orange groves he changed the way that Americans and the world viewed such entertainment. Once the domain of carnival hucksters ..."
Abstract This paper examines the contribution of William Morris to the history of interior design. In understanding Morris' diverse work, it is argued that Morris' efforts to reform the aesthetics of interior design in the late nineteenth century England were closely associated with his ideas on social reform. The paper further asserts that, in this context, it can be seen that Morris' early medievalism in particular played an important role in shaping his views on interior design and also influenced his social and political ideas.
Abstract The paper discusses a fixed budget proposal. This proposal as reviewed by the paper, is specifically designed for a company named 'Agile Software Development.' The paper states that when developing software programs, details should be provided on the different elements, and compares and contrasts four principles of proposal design. The paper concludes suggesting that a fixed budget proposal with a variable element provides the most flexibility when designing and developing software programs for a company.
Outline:
Introduction
Fixed Budget - "Agile on a Fixed Budget" Proposal
Conclusion
From the Paper "A fixed budget typically entails many restrictions, meaning a defined amount of money is available for defined purposes. This amount should not vary much on a fixed budget proposal. Ambler reviews three factors of "resources, schedule, and scope" noting that even in a fixed budget, "at least one must vary" because if it does not quality production will "suffer" (Ambler, p. 1). Why is this? Quality will often decrease because technical staff may have to conform to "budgetary constraints" typically introduced by a fixed budget. This may lead according to Ambler (2007) the technology team to taking shortcuts which will also sacrifice quality. In any other type of budget, like a flexible budge, all three factors (resources, schedule and scope) could vary in terms of funding. This allows more flexibility for management (Ambler, 2003). However, Ambler (2007) notes that rarely in the technology field do software applications or development teams utilize a flexible budget fully (Ambler, 2003). Some resources, especially funding when considering the fixed budget, can vary (Ambler, 2007). Typically when someone is using a fixed budget, all financing options are fixed. However, one may provide a fixed estimate at the start of a project which allows the stakeholders to "minimize" their perceived risk; then stakeholders can treat an IT investment like "a true investment" by increasing the amount of money they provide to effective teams and decreasing funding to inefficient or ineffective teams. "
