1. In industrial design, we basically encounter very similar problems as Griffith. We come up with an idea on how to improve something and start doing research. The amount of information you find is determined by the topic. Sometimes you can find a plethora of information, but there are times where you actually have to go out and gather information related to the topic. One of the biggest similarities between industrial designers and Griffith is the production of numerous prototypes. These are essential because they help workout all the problems before you make your final product out of expensive and valuable materials. Just because an idea seems flawless in your head does not mean it will work out in real life the way you think it will. Griffith believed his lens making device was the perfect solution and would save many companies money. But in Griffith’s case, he realized at the end that he was solving the wrong problem the whole time. The method companies currently have, which is investing high amounts of money for machinery with cheap production, was more ideal than Griffith’s solution since his didn’t include a mass shipping method.
2. The cost of materials is a big issue. For example, Griffith's projects are constantly being sponsored millions of dollars to help him design and build products. A majority of designers do not have this kind of money. As our technology keeps advancing, new materials are being discovered. One of the aims is to not only create a brand new material, but to make sure these materials can be created at low costs. Having a cheaper material that has the same characteristics as a material that is not cheap is ideal. For example, Yellow foam is highly similar to the density of wood, but is way cheaper. Designers would be able to come out with better products if they are not limited to cost of material. Even though Griffith had a huge budget, he was still solving problems that did not really need to be solved. He was focused on designing things like the turbine kites and solar roadways which our world is not really ready for. As an industrial designer you are supposed to learn from mistakes to makes sure you do not repeat them and learn how to do something the right way. When it comes to Griffith, I feel like he gets excited over an idea and jumps right into it. He needs to do more research to see if his product is worth starting.
2. The cost of materials is a big issue. For example, Griffith's projects are constantly being sponsored millions of dollars to help him design and build products. A majority of designers do not have this kind of money. As our technology keeps advancing, new materials are being discovered. One of the aims is to not only create a brand new material, but to make sure these materials can be created at low costs. Having a cheaper material that has the same characteristics as a material that is not cheap is ideal. For example, Yellow foam is highly similar to the density of wood, but is way cheaper. Designers would be able to come out with better products if they are not limited to cost of material. Even though Griffith had a huge budget, he was still solving problems that did not really need to be solved. He was focused on designing things like the turbine kites and solar roadways which our world is not really ready for. As an industrial designer you are supposed to learn from mistakes to makes sure you do not repeat them and learn how to do something the right way. When it comes to Griffith, I feel like he gets excited over an idea and jumps right into it. He needs to do more research to see if his product is worth starting.
Conrad argues that the cost of materials is a major issue,which can infact limit designers.Therefore several prototypes are essential to save money as they help overcome any problems and develop the initial concept prior to production.He explains that Griffith believed his lens making device was the soloution and would save many companies money.However, in Griffiths case he realised in the end that he was “solving the wrong problem” the whole time. Conrad explains the method that companies currently have which is , “investing high amounts for machinery with cheap production”, was more productive than Griffiths original idea.Conrad also explains , “that as an industrial designer you are supposed to learn from mistakes to make sure you don’t repeat them and learn how to do soething the right way.”
ReplyDeleteI agree, because in order to come up with the best possible product or solution you need to go through the process of trial and error in order to learn from your mistakes and improve. This development stage often uses cheaper products or a scaled down version of the final product. Therefore, mistakes at this stage are not as costly.
He also mentions that new materials are being discovered due to the advancements in technology, and that the aim is to create them at lower costs, therefore creating another solution to this problem.
In my own experience with textile design we have the same problems. Large scale production of fabrics is extremely costly if there are mistakes in it, or it is not to the customers liking so smaller scale samples are produced, in order to solve any problems that may occur .This will result in a lot of yarn being wasted which is costly. It also saves time and money later on in the process.
I also agree that new technology in the textile industry is cost effective.Electronic weaving machinery helps produce a more consistent quality of fabric than hand looms do. It is faster and so can produce longer lengths in a short period of time, and is less labour intensive than regular hand weaving. Therefore, fabric produced off of these machines will be of a much higher quality and long lengths of fabric will be ordered, so the producers of the textile will make a substantial profit.