Week 3: Origination

The Laws of Simplicity

Chapter 2: Organise

1. What does the acronym SLIP mean according to Maeda?

Sort.

Label.

Integrate.

Prioritise.

2. Define each character of the acronym, S L I P in one sentence

Sort the groups (on pieces of paper) to find their natural groupings, then each group needs a relevant name or code, integrate the groups that appear significantly like each other and ensure that the items with the highest priority receive the most attention. Organisation.

3. What does Maeda say is only a pinkie away?

The quick path to simplicity. Maeda is referring to the TAB key and knowing where things are on your keyboard. It is about your working strategy, getting things done quicker, shortcuts, etc.

4. Why is this important to us as designers?

It can help reduce the clutter and chaos, maximizing use of space, more visually appealing. Efficiency.

5. What are the principles of gestalt psychological theory?

We seek the most appropriate conceptual "fit" which is important for survival and also is the heart of the discipline of design. The mind has a natural tendancy to group, simplify and order things. Eg If the first and last letters of a word remain the same and the middle ones are changed around, the mind orders it.
http://graphicdesign.spokanefalls.edu/tutorials/process/gestaltprinciples/gestaltprinc.htm  

The orange figure in the picture becomes the focal point because it is dissimilar to the other shapes.
Here is a YouTube clip that talks about the Gestalt Principals of Perception and related examples. The speaker talks about how we, as humans, are programmed to see shapes, faces and patterns. He gives examples of 'faces' in orange peel and on the moon (among other things) to highlight the principals of Gestalt.

6. Where might one find the aesthetics of blur?

It is common in the history of art, Impressionist paintings (Monet) late 1800s, stylised images by Georgia O'Keeffe. Ipod. Apple mouse - 5 buttons, looks like one.

 Monet's "Impression: Sunrise"

7. Why is blur important in interactive design?

It blurs all controls into one image of simplicity. Blurring in art negates the exact representations and evokes imagination and creativity when it is represented differently.

  

8. Why do good designers squint when they look at something?

To find the right balance, makes things appear more simple and groups forms. Gives focus.

THINKING GAME

1. A person nods his/her head up and down - Agreeing, Acknowledgment, Permission, Understanding

2 A person’s lower lip trembles slightly - Sadness/Whimpering, Stress, Cold, Nervous

3. A person smiles slightly - Amused, Arrogant, Acknowledgment, Satisfaction

4 A person yawns - Tired, Bored, Distracted, Sympathy

5 A person shrugs his/her shoulders - Unsure, Confused, Neutral/Passive

6 A person inhales quickly - Impatient, Stress, Psyching Up/Bracing yourself




GOOGLE DOCS 
PROS:

• Everyone can contribute thoughts and ideas
• Everyone in the group can comment on others' thoughts and ideas which creates interaction amongst the group
• An organised and efficient way to share information
  

CONS:

• It is another medium we have to keep updated
• There is no guarantee that everyone will continually check the posts
• You need to have everyone in your group in your contact list otherwise you cannot see messages that they have posted