Journal 05: Peer Dialogue

            After reading Alicia’s course reflection, I started to notice we both found a lot of the same things to be interesting the past few classes. I also enjoyed the hot wheels video because it gave a glimpse into how design could potentially help the disabled. I was excited after seeing this video and I can’t imagine the excitement of someone with disabilities after seeing the possibilities of this type of design. I liked that Alicia took a different direction and found faces within industrial designs, even if she didn’t do it on purpose. I especially liked the face found within the steering wheel. Also, it was interesting to read about the Wieden & Kennedy firm since they have made many ads for popular companies such as Coca Cola and Nike. Alicia mentions that one of the lectures in class made her change her mind about what major she wants to pursue. I am also starting to rethink which of the three design majors I really want to pursue.

            After looking at Kelly’s found faces, I really liked the faces found on the elevator and Math Tower. It’s amazing how many faces can be found in everyday life. When reading her response to the assigned readings, I realized we had a lot of the same reactions, especially when she said “I never realized until taking this class that my life, and the lives of others is encompassed in design.” I completely agree with her, I guess it was a little naive of me not to realize this sooner. I found her research on designers to be the most interesting, mostly because I’d either never heard of them or knew little about them. For example, prior to reading her post I’d never heard of Brandever or Stefanie Schwarz. I really liked the designs shown on the wine bottles that she posted. The abstraction and creativity of the labels drew me in. Then I read about the graphic designer, Stefanie Schwarz. The examples of work Kelly posted were so interesting and colorful. I look forward to finding out more information on Schwarz.

            I think reading other student’s blogs is really helpful and educational. Without this assignment I would not have known about many of the designers and design firms the students posted about. It’s really increased my interest in design as a whole.