Reading Assignment #4

Read Stage 2: Identification 39-70

This reading assignment deals with how a designer identifies the needs and limits of a project. As the author writes "A project's needs and limits are its constraints and by indentifying them, we understand what we need to engage with to create an effective design" (Aspelund pg40). Constraints are a big part of the design process and more often than not they are what define a project. The author goes in depth about the different kinds of constraints and the ways to deal with them. For example, time constraints. Designers always have deadlines, assignments and projects that have to be turned in by certain dates. Every art student can relate with this since we are always having to meet homework deadlines. A lot of the times with so many classes, there's more than one project due at the same time. The solution is time-management. Breaking down objectives and setting aside a specific time for each will help you to keep from working up until the last minute, although according to the author, sometimes "last minuteness" is part of the process.

Another important point in this reading assignment is sustainability. The author expresses concern about global consumption and the fact that it has doubled in the past 30 years. He explains the importance of learning to make more use out of resources and of coming up with new ways of repair and reuse. I whole-heartedly agree. When designing a product we should always keep in mind how it will eventually be diposed of and whether it can be recycled. This, of course, makes coming up with new ideas a lot more changelling but, ultimately it will act as one "small drop in the bucket" to saving the environment.