Weiss: Reading # 2

Weiss Reading # 2

This section of Lupton’s “Graphic Design” opens the reader to problem solving and solution-finding techniques to further his or her design abilities. What I found interesting is that Lupton’s ideas are being emulated in other fields. I am currently in a design and prototyping class, and I feel as though this book could be used for that class as well. The reason being is that Lupton uses this book to provide techniques to eventually produce an effective design of anything. In particular the “design net” that Lupton explains to be casted over a broad idea to eventually be narrowed down, is in my opinion the ultimate tool for elaboration and convergence. For the first time I feel that my classes have a correlation between each other, and it really motivates me in my education.

Personally I hate brainstorming, especially in a large group. Sometimes I know people are not devoting 100% to our group, and that only complicates things. Lupton saved me with her introduction to “Visual brain dumping”. This is a more personal visual brain storming method, involving quick sketches set under a time limit (to increase productivity) and the one rule to keep moving! No erasing! I have been quick sketching for years but I have never declared it as an official method of brainstorming, thus reading Lupton’s explanation made me comfortable with my past techniques and only gave me insight to improve my methods.

I think the most important part of this section is the “Forced Connections” lesson. This is an incredible way to think outside of the box, combining unlikely candidates to create the most impressive design, or business plan. I was even more excited to realize the diversity of this techniques, and immediately made connections between this technique and current pop culture, for example the Snuggie. A blanket and robe in one. This technique is the combination of two separate entities into one brilliant product.