Video Reflections - David Kelley

Human centred design is a somewhat simple concept, but a rather complex one to successfully achieve. It is this idea that designs are created in such a way that they enhance the user experience in some form or another, with the added bonus of formulating an emotional response. For a long period of time, things were designed for the simple reason of being designed. A great focus was placed on technological products, simply to push the boundaries, but not necessarily to create an experience that was beneficial to the user. It has been in the last 20 years that this concept of human centred design has become a focus in the creation of products, with the central premise being that the resultant work has both behavioural characteristics and personality.

It became evident that 3d models and renderings were no longer an acceptable judge of human centred design. It became the norm for the products to be constructed either physically or electronically, in order to show the interaction and relationship between man and machine.

Kelley discusses a number of surprising but rather clever designs that simply focuses on human experience:

Prada New York Store – This interactive store is no longer a retail proposition but provides a cultural role. Custom technology is employed with RF tags that scan objects in order provide the consumer with information regarding the product. The LCD screen that changes the sliding door from transparent to opaque allows individuals outside to see the clothing that is being tested. The Magic mirror has an inset display with a three second delay so that the individual can see themselves from every angle, rather than straining themselves to see every view.

London Science Museum – The feature wall of the museum mimics the London Tube system, with a giant board which shows messages and comments from visitors. The messages move as a piece of light along the “tracks” and pop up as messages when they reach a “station”. This allows visitors to physically interact with the museum.  

Spyfish – This device brings the experience of scuba diving onto a boat. A camera is encased within a pod/vehicle. A cable that the device is connected too links to a user interface on board that allows you to feel what is happening underwater. Along with the video feed there is sound, which allows the user to immerse themselves within the experience. The key point is that it is not a research tool but a personal tool. 

The ides of the presentation is to convey the idea that for a design to be truly successful, it has to be designed with the user in mind. No longer can products simply be made for the sake of making, they must serve a function, and ultimately enhance the user experience.