Week 11: Origination

The Laws of Simplicity


Chapter 10: The One

1. What does Maeda call the 3 keys?

Key 1: Away – more appears less by moving it far away e.g. Google search engines. It is a complex network of databases and computers however all the end user sees is a visually and operationally simple interface. The result is local but all the actual work is done far away.

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Key 2: Open – openness simplifies complexity e.g. Fixing a Linux system is simpler (as opposed to a Windows system which is a closed source). There is a higher risk in taking an open approach to things (whether it be in business or personally), however, there can also be increased rewards in doing so (ie. loyalty).

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Key 3: Power – use less, gain more e.g. Rechargeable batteries. The power has to come from somewhere, if we can collectively use less, the better of we’ll be.

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2. Describe how you have used these in your work towards UPHERE? Give at least

one example of each key.

Key 1: Away – in the context of my lanterns, I want the individual lanterns and their more complex spherical design to look simple (yet they are made up of 18 individually crafted and assembled tetrahedrons). If the complete lanterns are hung up, they are likely to look simpler (especially when it’s whole working process is contained in the same piece.)

The further away one stands, the simpler they are likely to look.

Key 2: Open – each step in the development process for my exhibition pieces, has been recorded in my diary, blogged and discussed amongst the class quite regularly. Being open with my techniques and ideas allows others to see my process and how the concept has developed over time. Being transparent and open in my progression also allows people to see that these are my original ideas. Although being so open (particularly on the blog, where anyone with internet access can see it) there is the potential for my ideas to be used unlawfully.

Key 3: Power – with my lanterns, I was initially thinking of using an existing lighting set up (ie fairy lights) to display my individual lanterns, which would plug into an electrical power source. I have since re-evaluated and have decided to go with LED lights as they use little power, produce a cool light and about 18-20 of them can be run off a single 9V battery and still produce a strong light. By using a battery it also gives me the flexibility to display them where ever suits.

So, I will be using less power (compared to the original method I had in mind), and I’m hoping the lighting display will demonstrate longevity throughout the exhibition due to this.

3. Describe an incident in the production of UPHERE where technology has been an

enabler…. and another where it has been a disabler!

Enabler: technology allows us to do things we might not be able to otherwise. E.g. communicating en masse to the groups when not in class is as simple as writing a message on Google docs or sending an email.

Disabler: when we come to rely on the technology. E.g. when we rely on these technologies as our only way to communicate between groups.

This YouTube clip talks about how technology can enable you to do things that you wouldn't have thought of otherwise.

4. At this stage in the exhibition process you are all working on some element or

process for the big event. List 3 things (in your current project) that you could

take away to simplify and one thing you could add for meaning.

Three things that can be taken away to simplify the navigation (a part of the exhibition process):

·       the need for multiple maps;

·       strings of flags; &

·       detail on maps

One thing that can be added for meaning:

·       more thought going into one easy-to-understand handout which contains all the details that it needs to.

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Homework: My contribution to the exhibition in relation to two of the laws are as follows:

LAW 2: Organise: I am continuing to use the second law of simplicity to prioritise the processes I need to complete in order to create my exhibition piece. Eg. In addition to last weeks example, it is through experimentation and prototypes that I have realised that the lighting will need to be finalised before the lanterns are put together as a whole.

LAW 6: Context: by taking what is around you and applying it to what you’re working on help helps to prioritise and provide new perspective.

I would like to put my lanterns into the context of everyday life. I want them to be usable and re-usable. So, as such, it would be appropriate to make them out of durable materials such as plastic or strong paper and design them so they can be easily re-hung, etc.

References:

R01: http://www.presentationzen.com/presentationzen/2006/11/presentations_a_1.html