Well Designed

Response to the 

Don Norman video and Dieter Rams 10 ways to Good Design 

After reviewing Don Norman’s video and Dieter Rams’ article it is clear that design is about a blend between function and beauty. Rams stated ten principles that he believes make up the tenants of good design. I agree with him for the most part but I don’t think an object must posses all ten qualities in order to be well designed. It is the combination of these ten elements that make objects well designed, not necessarily the summation of them.

Norman brought up some interesting points concerning the relationship between an object and its user. He talked about the importance of understanding the human brain. People’s brains interact with these objects so in order for the object to produce the desired effect, designers must keep the human brain in mind. I liked the way he defined and talked about design as bringing art and aesthetics to function. Norman seems to have a newly aquired taste that according to him he lacked before. This taste for good design is important and it should be shared by both designers and consumers.

These headphones possess several aspects of good design. They are aesthetically pleasing. The sleek plastic is shaped with attractive curves mixed with lines and sharp edges. Designs are printed onto the plastic and the padded band across the top. These designs depict the Skullcandy logo as well as a clean cut but grunge style design. These elements combined together create a visually attractive piece.

In addition to this objects visual appeal it serves its intended function quite well. These headphones are excellent and have superb sound quality. This blend between a successful aesthetic and a functional product make this object well designed indeed.

The headphones are very honest in their design. They are what they appear and when a person looks at them they immediately understand their purpose. Although they are not particularly innovative, these headphones are a good adaptation, if not an improvement, of the classic headphone design. These headphones, while aesthetic, are not obtrusive or overly style oriented. The designs are complex but they do not visually accost the viewer or appear fashionable in a way that could quickly go out of style.