Design for People
Case Study 01. Ergonomic Clothing Design
Case Study 02. Ergo-Aesthetic Exploring in Chair Design
Exploring the Human Dimension in Design
In the realm of design, the human element is paramount.
This project presents two distinct projects that delve into the intricate relationship between human factors and design.
The first project, “Ergonomic Clothing Design”is a case study in clothing design, examines the fusion of functionality, user experience, and personal expression through the lenses of physical, cognitive, and emotional human factors. The second project, "Ergo-Aesthetic Exploring and Design Dilemma Quest" is a design session venture into the realm of ergonomic and aesthetic factor of chair design, further unraveling the complexities of designing with human considerations.
Design for People 01. Interconnected Human Factors in Clothing Design
Human Factor Design
Human Factor Design
Tools: C4D, Marvelous Designer, Daz3D, Mixamo, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects
Visual Extensions: video and poster capturing human-centric design in clothing
Duration: 2023.10-11 (Design Principle & Practice)
Overview
This Human Factor case study project is a deep dive into the interconnectedness of human factors within the domain of clothing design. It showcases how clothing is a medium where physical comfort, cognitive ease, and emotional resonance coalesce, influencing not only our sense of style but also our identity and interaction with the world.
In-Depth Contextual Analysis
This project is born from a comprehensive examination of the role clothing plays in our daily lives, serving as a critical interface between the individual and the environment. The study began with an research phase, delving into existing literature and engaging with the latest trends in fashion technology. From ergonomic studies to psychological insights into clothing's impact on self-perception and identity, the research process was designed to provide a foundation upon which to build a future-oriented clothing design framework.
Design Concept
Engaging Video Narrative
The video, as the centerpiece of this project, unfolds a narrative that is both informative and visually stimulating. It is structured to guide the viewer through the three key human factors.
Physical: Demonstrating comfort and fit through dynamic visuals that articulate the seamless movement and sensory interaction between clothing and wearer.
Cognitive: Highlighting ease of use and purpose, the video cleverly showcases clothing features through scenarios that viewers can easily relate to, enhancing their understanding of practical design considerations.
Emotional: With poignant imagery and subtle storytelling, the video resonates on an emotional level, illustrating how clothing is an extension of personal identity and style.
Add to this, I considered advanced human factors, visually showing with the fashion show runway.
Speculative Physical Attributes: Forecasting development of smart textiles that not only adapt to body temperature but also harness energy from the human body to power embedded technology.
Cognitive Design Evolution: Conceiving garments with built-in augmented reality interfaces, offering real-time adaptability and interactivity, including clothing that responds to cognitive stress levels, altering its form or color to assist in personal regulation and mindfulness.
Emotional Design Futurism: Expecting concept of 'emotional wearables'—clothing capable of detecting and responding to the wearer's emotional state. This could involve fabric that changes color with mood shifts, or garments that release soothing scents or gentle vibrations to improve emotional well-being.
Interpretive Poster Design
The poster complements the video by encapsulating the design ideation process, resembling a designer's mood board. It serves as a visual echo of the video, with handwritten notes and sketches that invite viewers to ponder the interplay of physical, cognitive, and emotional elements in clothing design. The layout and annotations on the poster provide a behind-the-scenes look at the conceptualization of human-centric clothing design.
01. Conceptualization with mood board
Design process began with the conceptualization phase, where ideas were generated and refined, considering the multifaceted role of clothing in human experience.
02. Iterative Prototyping
The project involved an iterative C4D modeling process with Character and Clothing Design in Marvelous Designer, Daz3D, Mixamo of prototyping, testing, and refining the structure and shape for both the video and the poster, ensuring that each design decision contributed to the overarching narrative of human factors.
Design Process
03. Digital Artistry
Leveraging tools such as C4D, Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects for meterial texturing, compositing, lighting, and rendering so that the project's visual and narrative elements were meticulously resulting in a cohesive and immersive experience.
04. Synergistic Integration
The final stages of creation saw the integration of research insights, digital artistry, and narrative development into the video and poster, culminating in a synergistic portrayal of the future of clothing design.
Insights
Reflecting on this project, the primary insight is the critical role of harmonizing human factors in design. The process reaffirmed the notion that clothing is more than a protective layer; it's a mode of human expression, a cognitive tool, and an emotional artifact, all woven into the fabric of our daily lives.
Design for People 02. Ergo-Aesthetic Exploring in Chair Design
Ergo-Aesthetic Design Dilemma Quest
Ergonomic & Aesthetic Design
Tools: After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign
Visual Extensions: video, 2 posters, and hands-on paper materials for participating session
Duration: 2023.11-12 (Design Principle & Practice)
Overview
This project unveils the journey into the fusion of ergonomic functionality with aesthetic allure in chair design. Through an interactive session, participants were immersed in a design challenge that navigated the nuances of creating furniture that is both a delight to the senses and a reprieve for the body.
Context
Why explore the ErgoAesthetic in design?
To address the increasing demand for products that marry comfort with beauty, shaping the way we live and interact with our environment.
What does the ErgoAesthetic balance entail?
It involves a meticulous orchestration of form and function, ensuring that each design element contributes to a product's usability and visual harmony.
How does this project reflect my design philosophy?
The project mirrors my belief that great design should be an embodiment of thoughtful ergonomics and captivating aesthetics, enhancing everyday experiences.
Design Concept
Unified Design Philosophy
The concept centers around creating designs that resonate with the human experience, advocating for products that support well-being while elevating spaces aesthetically.
Design Representation
The project's main visual extensions are video and posters, encapsulating the conceptual and practical aspects of ErgoAesthetic design, serving as guides and inspirations for participants' creative endeavors.
Session Description
Poster 1: Chair Spectrum Analysis
The first poster prompts participants to scrutinize and sequence a variety of chairs, ranging from ergonomic exemplars to aesthetic icons. Accompanied by the Chair Description Guide, the poster provides comprehensive details on each chair’s design, inviting participants to deliberate and assess.
Section 1: Interactive Ranking Exercise
Overview of Chair Design Spectrum : Beginning with a participatory exercise, inviting you to scrutinize and rank five distinctive chairs. As your guide, the Chair Description Guide, provides key insights into each chair's ergonomic and aesthetic attributes.
Ranking Spectrum Activity: Armed with paper and pen, you're tasked with placing each chair along a spectrum—from the pinnacle of ergonomic ingenuity to the epitome of aesthetic splendor. Consider the synthesis of comfort, style, and visual impact in your rankings.
Poster 2: Ergo-Aesthetic Design Challenge
The second poster sets the scene for the design challenge. It showcases a range of ergonomic features alongside aesthetic attributes, from structural support to color palettes. Participants are encouraged to choose and blend these elements, with the Chair Description Guide serving as a beacon to guide their design decisions.
Section 2: Hands-On Design Challenge
Selection of Ideal Chair Models: From your rankings, select one chair that represents the zenith of ErgoAesthetic design. This chair will serve as the foundation for our hands-on design challenge.
Ergonomic and Aesthetic Options Exploration: Navigate through a curated selection of ergonomic features and aesthetic enhancements. You're invited to choose one from each category, which will serve as creative constraints to spur your design innovation.
Design Challenge Instructions: With your selected chair as a canvas, embark on the task of creating a chair that embodies a seamless blend of ergonomic comfort and aesthetic beauty. Integrate your chosen constraints thoughtfully to craft a chair that resonates with the principles of ErgoAesthetic design.
Insights
Through this project, I tried to reveal a deeper appreciation among participants for the balanced design intricacies of exploring ergonomics with aesthetics. The quest was a testament to collective creativity and a stepping stone towards future explorations in seamlessly integrated human-factored design.