Considering user context

The disconnect between product and user context

could be one reason so many people resist

incorporating items like the walker (shown

right) into their daily lives. It's also something

to consider when designing. Do we really

want these things in our homes & in our lives?

How much form are people willing to sacrifice for function? When the ultimate goal of a product is to allow greater independence, it seems there is a quiet acceptance of decreased style and personal options.

Design Language

     old  vs.  active

     disabled  vs.  defiant

 

     medical vs.  beautiful

    A truly multi-contextual product, mobile phones have been applied globally in a myriad of situations
    that were unfathomable a decade ago. Unfathomable, at least, re: the capabilities and scope of a
    phone. Now its used universally, by all generations, for wildly diverse functions. I think that baby
    on the top left just hacked into my twitter account.

    While the cell phone is just an example, as a case study its remarkable. Striking the perfect
    balance of relevance, functionality, pleasure (perhaps pain) and necessity. A lot of
    effort goes into developing a product that can resonate on this many levels. Whatever your
    stance on the mobile phone, how many products can you think of that you, your parents,
    and your grandparents, can all relate to? Besides Wii?

Now entering the second year of Pratt's MID program and beginning to solidify a thesis topic. I'm starting to form ideas about multi contextual products and looking at some past success stories. I felt it only fair to begin this with a nod to OXO, a brand which changed perception of an enlarged grip from one of "sign of impairment" to "sign of quality and enhanced design". The opportunity to design products that have the ability to serve multiple populations while being favorably perceived and coveted by many = success.