The Story of Cap and Trade

Annie Leonard is back with yet another fact filled enviro film. This time Leonard dissects the climate change solution of ‘Cap & Trade’. To be honest I have never truly understood the carbon trading scheme, but as Leonard protests “the future of our planet is at stake, so we’ve got to take the time to understand what’s going on!”

As the system unfolds, so many issues become apparent. Polluters are almost being rewarded for polluting. How can something with so much riding on it only work in theory? “The devils in the details, and there are a lot of details”. The corporations that claim to be helping the problem are actually profiting from it. With so much wide spread evidence on the health of our planet why is it that the corporation has more power than the government? And how do the key polluters keep buying their way out of trouble? Take the current BP oil crisis. How many more days will oil spill into our oceans without action?

“Save the planet, get rich. What’s not to like?”

The messages I took away from ‘Cap & Trade’ would be to consider the impact and sustainability of all products, whether designing or purchasing. It is important as design students we learn to design responsible products that benefit everyone not just the cultural elite.

Design for Life

Starks presence in this world grows daily as he designs and redesigns artefacts and archetypes for the current and future generations. It’s very interesting to see Starck’s personality on film rather than though his design. He’s just so animated and passionate about design, it’s almost like putting a voice into one of his objects

The structure of the show somewhat resembles our studio practices which is good to know we are being prepared for the real world. Starck is constantly reinforcing that the students must look for the story behind the product and “question whether we need to design more products”. Something that I think should be considered further within our course.

It’s very interesting to watch the contestant’s tangent off on a path and receive a scalding from stark for not evolving their designs in a positive way. I guess I can relate to this and once again it reinforces the need to constantly re-evaluate what you’re doing at every stage.

Too often people don’t consider the full impact their product will make on the world. Trends today seem to have made design reliant on its social impact, rather than its cultural responsibility to be well considered, timeless, sustainable and functional. Starck’s theory of democratic design is admirable and so is his commitment to sustainability.

It is easy to see why Starck wants to help shape the future into a thoughtful utopia but I would argue that Starck has also been guilty in contributing to the problem. Sometimes, offering new form to a product can inevitably detract from its intended function. For example his Alessi kettle is original and has a thought provoking aesthetic but lacks all functionality. At times Starck seems harsh, but you come to realise how much he truly values his time, and how much his life and his work are intrinsically linked.

“If you think everything is easy.HAHAHAHAHA...No it wont work like that. In the end it’s work work work, but if you work on a bad platform, you will arrive nowhere.”- Philippe Starck

The 11th Hour

Leonardo DiCaprio narrates the slow demise of planet earth. What a waste! Literally! I always knew that we had problems...but this is out of control.

Could it be we're to late? 50 to 50 thousand species are being wiped out each year, and we're continuing on like nothings happening.A great change is needed if the planet can bounce back from what we have thrown at it. William McDonough point "imagine now having to re-design design itself, and seeing deign as the first point of human intention." is something to be embraced. Mass utilisation must somehow find a firmer foothold in our society. Personally i think it may take awhile to implement, there's just too much money at stake for corporate culture to adapt to quickly, even if renewable resources become available, Corporations and governments are slow to warm to its benefits because these technologies are provided free by the planet and a therefor hard to put a price tag on.

Although the outlook of this film can seem alittle gloomy, it does offer some hope toward the end. The earth will perservere, but will we be so lucky. "So if we choose to iradicate ourselves by whatever means, the earth goes nowhere. And in time it will regenerate, and all the lakes will be pristene. The rivers, the waters, the mountains, everything will be green agian, and be peaceful. There may not be people, But the Earth will regenerate.Because the earth has all the time in the world...and we dont."- Orin Lyons, Faith keeper and Cheif of the wolf clan

This film really raised alot of questions for me.

"The greatest weapon of mass destruction is corporate economic globalisation." - Kenny Ausubel

"The human mind invented the concept of the future. We are the only animal on the planet that was able to recognise, we could affect the future by what we do today." - David Suzuki

Objectified

I was interested to see what Gary Huswit would focus on in Objectified after seeing his previous design doco/narrative Helvetica . Once again Huswit illuminates the fact that everything that we interact with in our life has been designed, and behind every object is also a very long story.

People dont buy products because they're obligated...people buy objects that speak to them.
Every objects has the potential to make an emotional connection with its user and the designers role is to make that connection happen. Without it, the designer will surely fail.


One thing that kept hitting home with me was that most of the designers seemed to hold onto a memory which is constantly inspiring them. For example Naoto Fukasawa's experience of peeling potatoes gave him a tactile relationship with the form. Or Kareem Rashids radio which calmed him with its simplicity. All good design has the power to captivate.


"70% of the world is completely impractical, 70% of the world is uncomfortable." - Karim Rashid


"Are the things we are doing having an effect, and making change?" - Karim Rashid


"Designers spend most of their time designing products and services for the 10% of the worlds population that already own too much. When 90% don't have even basic products & services to lead a subsistent life." - Alice Rawthorn

Project Two : Sydney Pure

Project Two Rleflection

How did you find the task of designing not just a pure product but a product within a service system?

I felt that this task was the most challenging to date. Not only designing the product but the system that it relies on can be very complicated. However the task presented new incite into the way in which the products we are designing may impact on environment, social and economical systems.

Were you satisfied by your group outcome? Why/not?
I was satisfied with the outcome of this project and i think our group covered all the issue that arose with our system. as always more time could have helped, but learning to work to a deadline is imperative.

Did you feel that what you generated was promising as a demonstration of your design capabilities?
I believe the concept generated was a good demonstration of my capabilities however the model/s i fell could have been refined to a degree.

What did you like most and least about designing a PSS?
The things i liked most and least were the same; Research! I really enjoyed looking at the ways in which technology changes per task. From lo-fi solutions in devolving worlds to Hi-tech gadgetry in the first world. It is fascinating the way people find a solution and often stick with it for as long as they can.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of PSS design?
Well, the advantages are many. Mapping an existing system and finding the faults is a very easy and obvious way of diagnosing a problem/s that need to be addressed. I takes the guess work out of it in a way. The disadvantages are that breaking an existing system is quite hard. The infrastructure demands of a single product is monstrous and so, people often try to adapt to the current system rather than re-define it.

How can you use your learning from this exercise?
Out of this task i think that i have a broader view of the way products and systems interact with one another. I think that this can be applied to my future studies and life through always considering the chain reaction of effects my designs could have on the world.

If this brief was given to you last year in Studio 2, how would you have approached it differently?
I think i may have chosen an area to study that may have been less socially pertinent.

Assignment One : Design for Disasters

A day in the life

A victim of H1N1 may contract the virus during their day from any number of sources. Interpersonal communication and infected peoples coughing and sneezing is the main mode of transmission. However contact with infected surfaces can also lead to infection if a person. E.g. receives a handshake or touches and infected surface, and then proceeds to touch eyes, nose or mouth.
Ordinary influenza has a rapid onset, chills, fever, headache, and body temperature rising within a few hours to reach a peak of, 39-40 ℃ or more. It also can be accompanied by sore throat, runny nose, tears, coughing and other respiratory symptoms. In a few cases, there is loss of appetite, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting and diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
However, H1N1 Influenza in humans can be latent 7 days before showing symptoms. Initially, symptoms are similar to ordinary flu, but suddenly the temperature rises over 39 degrees Celsius, leaving muscle soreness feeling significantly enhanced, accompanied by dizziness, headaches, diarrhoea, vomiting and other symptoms, or part of the symptoms.
After the virus has fully developed and if not treated correctly, other complications may arise in the body. Dehydration happens fast, often through sweats created by the chills which leave the mind in a state of delirium. Common problems such as ear and sinus infections erupt easily creating a lack of equilibrium.
For the very young (1-5) and elderly (60-80) H1N1 can be deadly attacking and exposing their weakend immune systems. Sufferers of Asthma, Lung disease, Blood disease, Endocrine disorder, Liver disorder or Neurological disorders are also at a higher risk of mortality than regular H1N1 victims.

Rationale
H1N1 Test Swab

Background
Swine influenza virus (SIV) is endemic in pigs and their introduction and conversion to highly pathogenic swine influenza virus in domestic livestock is a cause of serious economic losses as well as a risk for potential transmission to humans. The ability to rapidly recognise SIVs in biological specimens is critical for limiting further spread of the disease in live stock and humans. The advent of molecular methods such as real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has allowed improvement of detection methods currently used in laboratories.
A number of different laboratory diagnostic tests can be used for detecting the presence of influenza viruses in respiratory specimens, including direct antigen detection tests, virus isolation in cell culture, or detection of influenza-specific RNA by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). These tests differ in their sensitivity and specificity in detecting influenza viruses as well as in their commercial availability, the amount of time needed from specimen collection until results are available, and the tests’ ability to distinguish between different influenza virus types (A versus B) and influenza A subtypes (e.g. novel H1N1 versus seasonal H1N1 versus seasonal H3N2 viruses). Serologic tests on paired acute (within 1 week of illness onset) and convalescent (collected 2-3 weeks later) can help to establish a retrospective diagnosis of influenza virus infection for epidemiological and research studies. However, such serial serological testing is not routinely available through clinical laboratories. At this time, there are only two authorized assays for confirmation of novel influenza A(H1N1) virus infection, including the CDC rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel assay; however, other rRT-PCR assays such as laboratory developed tests, not approved by FDA, may be able to detect novel influenza A (H1N1) viruses. Public health laboratories in the U.S. are able to perform the CDC rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel assay. Confirmation of novel influenza A(H1N1) infection may be necessary for surveillance purposes and for special situations, e.g. severely ill patients, patients with immunocompromising conditions, and pregnant and breast feeding women.
Method
Using pernasal nasopharyngeal swab insert test swab through the nares until resistance is met by virtue of contact with the nasopharynx and body of swab reach’s nares. Although a contact time of 30 seconds is advocated, in practice a few seconds of contact often induces coughing or patient resistance, either of which is adequate incentive to remove the swab.
Once swab is removed insert back into tester base and push swab through perforated base into tester fluid. Agitate sample by swirling and leave to stand for 30 minutes. Upon return sample should change colour to reveal positive or negative result.
The procedure follows the general principle of polymerase chain reaction; its key feature is that the amplified DNA is detected as the reaction progresses in real time, a new approach compared to standard PCR, where the product of the reaction is detected at its end. Two common methods for detection of products in real-time PCR are: (1) non-specific fluorescent dyes that intercalate with any double-stranded DNA, and (2) sequence-specific DNA probes consisting of oligonucleotides that are labelled with a fluorescent reporter which permits detection only after hybridization of the probe with its complementary DNA target.
In molecular biology, real-time polymerase chain reaction, also called quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR/qPCR) or kinetic polymerase chain reaction is used to amplify and simultaneously quantify a targeted DNA molecule. It enables both detection and quantification of one or more specific sequences in a DNA sample.
Real-time PCR using double-stranded DNA dyes
A DNA-binding dye binds to all double-stranded (ds) DNA in PCR, causing fluorescence of the dye. An increase in DNA product during PCR therefore leads to an increase in fluorescence intensity and is measured at each cycle, thus allowing DNA concentrations to be quantified.
Like other real-time PCR methods, the values obtained do not have absolute units associated with it (i.e. mRNA copies/cell). As described above, a comparison of a measured DNA/RNA sample to a standard dilution will only give a fraction or ratio of the sample relative to the standard, allowing relative comparisons between different tissues or experimental conditions. To ensure accuracy in the quantification, it will be necessary to normalize expression of the target gene novel Influenza A to stably expressed the gene.
Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test
The Rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDTs) is an antigen detection test that detects the influenza viral nucleoprotein antigen. On collection and testing of DNA sample, the test can provide results within 30 minutes or less. Thus, results are available in a clinically relevant time period to inform clinical decisions. These assays may be referred to as “point-of care” tests.
Few comparisons of RIDTs with RT-PCR for the detection of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus or seasonal influenza viruses have been published. Three recent analytical studies indicate that commercially available RIDTs are reactive with the nucleoprotein of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus.

The Role of RIDT for Detecting Novel H1N1: Clinical Considerations
A RIDT may provide useful response information that might impact on patient care, therefore easing hospital congestion and lowering public panic through rapid diagnosis. However, understanding the limitations of RIDTs is very important to appropriately interpret results for clinical management. When influenza viruses are circulating in a community, a positive test result indicates that influenza virus infection is likely present in the specimen. Knowledge of the presence of influenza A or B virus infection can help to inform influenza treatment decisions. However, a negative rapid test result does not rule out influenza virus infection. Since false negative results can occur, if clinical suspicion of influenza is high in a patient who tests negative by RIDT (or if RIDT is not offered), empiric antiviral therapy should be administered, if appropriate, and infection control measures implemented.
Construction
The body of the test swab is constructed with a two piece polycarbonate injection moulding. This material and method have been selected for its ability create detail and maintain strength. The tamper evident clip relies on a styrene injection moulding which have planned points which fail upon opening to alert user of use and contamination. The pernasal nasopharyngeal swab is a polycarbonate extrusion with a Dacron swab head attached.


Glossary

Assay - a procedure in molecular biology for testing and/or measuring the activity of a drug or biochemical in an organism or organic sample.
Antigen - a molecule recognized by the immune system. Originally the term came from antibody generator and was a molecule that binds specifically to an antibody, but the term now also refers to any molecule or molecular fragment that can be bound by a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and presented to a T-cell receptor]. "Self" antigens are usually tolerated by the immune system; whereas "Non-self" antigens are identified as intruders and attacked by the immune system. Autoimmune disorders arise from the immune system reacting to its own antigens.

Nares - Nostrils
PCR - Polymerase chain reaction
RIDT - Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test
rRT-PCR - Real-time polymerase chain reaction

Charette One

Task 1 : Ecological Footprint

Treasuring Time

For this project I decided to look at treasuring time from a parents perspective. Especially from a young age keepsakes are collected and treasured as a child grows up. I drew inspiration from things like bronzed baby boots and plaster casting of hands to create my treasuring product.

The idea is that this product once purchased has a pre-paid life of 5 uses. This would be a baby shower gift to the parents. Once in possession of the present it is up to the parent when to use it. To use the gift all the parent has to do is scan or photocopy the child's hand or feet and send it to the manufacturer. The idea being that once the scan is received an impression or relief can be made from the material of your choice and sent back to you.
After the products life has come to an end, the user will have a visually chronological view of their child's growth.

Designing Dream Machines

This videos main message was the importance of the designers role in a design firm when breathing life into an idea within a client based relationship. It deatils the roles that the design takes on such as researching and analysis existing products in the market to nurturing and developing ideas and creating a prototype.

This video also highlights the industry concept of client satisfaction. To be successful in design, designers must produce products that are the culmination of good design elements, relevant to the time and the needs/requirements of clients. Client satisfaction is just as crucial as good design. As it is impossible to know exactly how a client will react to a design, constant communication between designer and client is essential throughout the design process. To avoid ultimate disaster, communication should constantly take place.

The video shows the design process from the initial exposure of the problem through the stages of finding a solution, then developing a way of communicating the elements of good design in that solution and finally to manufacturing.

Bad Design : Sunbeam Quantum 4 Slice Chrome Toaster

The Sunbeam 'Quantum 4 Slice Chrome Toaster' is a quality toaster with a robust build and reliable toasting cycle.It features; four deep bread slots, cool touch body, electronic browning control dial, high -lift lever, frozen bread setting, cancel button, removable crumb tray AND self-centering EXTRA wide toasting slots.

"It truly is the flag ship of the mid-budget toaster fleet" - Chris Bull

However, although the 'Quantum' delivers nearly perfect toast almost everytime, I still feel it could perform at its maximum capabilities with a few minor adjustments.
For example - One of the Quantums main selling points is its "Cool Touch" shell. Which works perfectly fine but does not serve a direct purpose. I mean who ever needs to pick up the toaster 1. when its on 2....by its sides 3.?

The real issue when dealing with the hazards of toast is the capture and extraction of said toast from the toaster once it has been toasted. The center strip of the Quantum is is a 15mm wide divider constructed of stainless steel. I feel Aluminum would have been a better option as it retains heat a lot less than steel.

The second danger within the extraction procedure is the so called high lift lever. Due to the 'Quantums' deep toasting slots the design also includes a so called high lift lever, which in truth is a high cut bread lever. Meaning that it does not compensate for the standard square of mighty whitey wonder bread and leaves the user with a burnt set of fingers and the need to invert the toaster to reclaim their toast.

Postal Presents

For this project I designed the "Floating Net Lamp Shade". The form of the lamp evolved throughout the project, as i drew inspiration from the shape of gum nuts and antique nautical lamps .When assembled the lamp shade casts shadows around the room reminiscent of a net or spider web. The lamp was cut with a laser cutter from 3 sheets of 3mm A4 MDF. I designed this product for a more technically inclined user as assembly requires some skill.

Annie Leonard: The Story of Stuff

That's alot of information in 20 minutes. Annie Leonard describes the system and processes that anyone involved in consumer goods has somewhat of a role in the materials economy. This is described as a linear system on a finite planet, where there are limitations in the cycle and thus problems appear. We are exploiting the environment -- undermining the variability for people to live and running out of resources fast.
Other important problems described include the release of chemicals and toxic materials. There are thousands of synthetic chemicals which can result in huge impact on physical and mental health; such chemicals are used in manufacture to make new products. However what goes in must come out and thus those chemicals may still remain in the product after manufacture.

I believe the major message in this movie is that consumerism now undermines fundamental, moral, humanitarian values. This consumerism offers no consideration to the detrimental effects it has on the environment and users well being. Money is power, and the corporations providing our products hold all the power. Governments put in place to monitor and sustain the well being of people are hierarchically lower, hence consumerist domination.
Monotonous advertising constantly tells users to upgrade using fear tactics. The fear of being left behind, or inferior to peers who do sport the most cutting edge products is a mechanism used to discard the old and sell the new. The result is further harmful production and manufacture, and more waste.

PROJECT ONE : Bread Clip Peg

Product

The Bread Clip Peg

Purpose

To hang clothes and other assorted garments.

Target Market

18-25 Inner City student

Design Features
The peg clip is a solid easy to us peg. It is virtually indestructible and weather proof and offers the user a greater sense of individuality while in the privacy of their own home.




Physical:The Peg clip has a solid and durable form.
Psychological:The secondary function of a familiar object gives the user a sense of individuality.
Ideological:Aimed to be manufactured from recyclable materials the product gives the user a greater sense of achievement.
Social:The clips uses the association of its primary function in its aid, as its new form becomes a focal point or discussion.

Design 08

Modern Times: Modernism in Australia

Bo Ema Espresso Machine - 1967

Bo Ema was first produced in Alexandria, Sydney in 1956 less than a decade after Achille Gaggia created the definitive espresso technology.

The new machines create the first espresso craze during the 1950's often sporting flamboyant designs.






Inspired! Design Across Time

Droog Design - Chest of Draws
-title"you can't lay down your money"

Droog is an enterprise based in Amsterdam and set up in 1993 as a statement on design. Droog operate worldwide together with partners, clients and manufacturers, designers, artists and architects in all areas of design. Working from a mentality that is close to human, our products each tell a story about themes such as: memories, nostalgia, re-use, craftsmanship and nature.




EcoLogic: Creating a Sustainable Future

-New Bogie, wheel track & switch
Developed by Arthur Bishop , this project by analysing the pro's and con's of the railways. His four patented innovations enabled a fleet of nine person vehicles to travel 120kph, climb steep slopes in and out of off- line stations, and negotiat tight bends. They could carry thousands of people each hour and attract commuters away from cars. Austrans has lower capital and operating costs than heavy rail systems. It could be fully operational within three years.

Video Reflection 4 : Paul Bennett Design In Details

Paul Bennett talks about how the little things in design are the things that can really make an impact, and how the simplest solutions are practical etc. "The blinding glimpse of the bleeding obvious "The philosophy behind it is that designing is not always about new ideas and solutions to problems, little things around us that we look past everyday can bring out new opportunities for development. Relating to this Bennett touches on how everyone is actually designing, people design their own experience subconsciously; such as the teabag string around the cup handle. We are using the little things around use to facilitate ourselves, and in a way creating our own design solutions.

By viewing the environment around you can define how a product is developed and eventually produced. Bennett gives examples of things in the world that came about were from observing the area around them. Sesame Street came about from a mother seeing her daughter in front of the telly watching the test card waiting for the programs to start. Velcro was developed because a man walking his dog got his socks covered in burs. The reflectors 'cats eyes' on the road came about because the inventor saw the reflection of a cats eye while driving.

What I also find intriguing is that there is a need for a designer to know the market, to know, to be and live like the people they are designing for. By putting themselves into someone else's shoes there is a whole new level of understanding. For example the designer for IKEA was sitting under tables to understand a child's point of view. Through this they found that children have a different way of thinking, by understanding this, they were then able to create a storage product more suited to a child.

Video Reflections 3 - Yves Behar: Designing Objects That Tell a Story

Yves Behar discusses the concept of designing more than just for the sake of design. He discusses that to produce good design, the product should continue to enthuse the user long after it has been in possession. Behar uses a humanistic approach to his design with the greatest example being his 'one laptop per child' concept. Having such technology being shared with children all over the world aiding them in their education and at the same time allowing them to have individual experiences and a connection with their own laptop I feel goes beyond the design of affordable technology and into the design of the next generation. Yves puts out the notion that a working design should bring more importance, more value even to the users themselves. Yves' way of convening this idea has made me realise this important point in the design process, making it an integral part of producing a quality design.