Architectural and product design
Basics of Architectural and Product Design
- Architectural design is centred around the planning and structuring of buildings and other physical structures. It includes considerations such as spatial functionality, safety, and aesthetic appeal.
- Product design instead involves the creation of new products that are usable, practical, and attractive. The process covers numerous design stages from concept generation to final product production.
Principles of Architectural Design
- Form follows function: This famous principle underscores that the functional requirements of a building should determine its design and aesthetics.
- Rhythm and repetition: Recurring design elements can create a sense of rhythm, which is often key to achieving visual unity in architectural design.
- Scale and proportion: These are vital considerations in architectural design, dictating the balance and harmony of the building’s form.
- Balance and symmetry: These aspects contribute to a building’s visual stability. Symmetrical balance involves mirroring elements, whereas asymmetrical balance involves different but equally weighty design elements.
- Hierarchy: This principle is used in architectural design to denote the significance of different elements within the design by varying their size, form, or positioning.
Principles of Product Design
- Ergonomics: This pertains to the design process ensuring the product is comfortable and efficient to use.
- Aesthetics: It’s about how the product looks and feels, as pleasing aesthetics can make the product more attractive to consumers.
- Materials and manufacturing: This principle involves choosing appropriate, cost-effective, and sustainable materials and production methods.
- User-centered design: This approach prioritizes the needs and wants of the end user throughout the design process.
- Sustainability: A rising concern in product design, focusing on creating products that have minimum negative impact on the environment.
Applying Architectural and Product Design Principles
- Skilfully apply these principles during the design process to create effective architectural or product designs.
- Use sketches, mock-ups, and prototypes to visualize and refine your design ideas.
- Seek feedback from peers, tutors, or potential users to improve your designs.
- Think critically about best material use, ergonomics, aesthetics, and environmental impact when fine-tuning your designs.
- Showcase your understanding of these principles in your design portfolio, articulating how you’ve employed them to solve real design problems.