Reflection on Don Norman’s 3 ways good design makes you happy

            I found it completely fascinating that our brains pick certain designs that make you happy subconsciously. Especially, when he was commenting on the watch, about how reflective we are in our products. I have a very expensive watch, but I don’t wear it so that I can keep time. I wear because it is reflective and a statement. He was completely on point when he was talking about how when you are happy, your brain functions more creatively and out of the box. I will definitely remember that when I am designing my poster. I found the video completely fascinating, in the sense that it was all so true and real and that I could relate to it. 

Reflection on Dieter Ram’s ten principles for good design

           While reading his thoughts on what makes a good design, I started to realize that they were very true. The principles that he was talking about are the same things that I look for when buying a product. I really appreciated the fact that he has honesty as a principle because isn’t that what good design is all about, to make a product look well designed but still be true to itself. When looking at the designs he created and made, I found myself very much liking the simplicity of the products. They were very aesthetically pleasing. Overall, I very much agree with Dieter Ram’s principles and plan to always keep those in mind when I am designing.

When it comes to my object, the teapot, I strongly believe that it fits Ram’s principles of design. First off it is completely innovative, in the fact that it is microwavable, so for students and people without a stove they can still make tea. All you have to do is take off the metal pieces and you can microwave it.  Also it is innovative that the steeper is mesh so the tea leafs won’t enter the tea and it can be removed for microwaving. This product is very useful and has a purpose. Physically the teapot is aesthetically pleasing. It has a simple shape but what I love about it is the color, it is bright yellow to represent warmth and happiness, which for a consumer it makes us want to use it. This product is very honest, it does exactly what it said it would do and it doesn’t lie about its size or shape. When it comes to long lasting and eco-friendly, they go hand in hand for this product. I have had the teapot for three years now, so it lasts long (which is good for the environment) and since it’s made for loose-leaf teas, I don’t have to throw away the teabags. Moreover, this product is a good design not just in my opinion, but it fits in Dieter Ram’s principles too.