Our Fictional Future

So basically I just want to bring people who believe that everyone must be a little creative to be able to make the future possible. For some reason it comes to mind when people say "get out of your head" or things of that sort and, well, maybe, you were unconsciously creating something that will be possible in the future. Maybe that person can't make it possible but people should catalogue their creations and maybe an engineer will take a look and think to himself 'I can do that'. It's possible. We shouldn't push people who live in a fantasy world down. that fantasy world might just be a glimpse into our future!

Philips

My second research paper is on Philips Design Centre. What attracted me to do Philips was actually the layout of their website. I just thought it was really easy to use and also their logo! Philips- senseandsimplicity. What a design should be.

The company specializes in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting. It focuses on merging technology and design to create products, which help improve the quality of life. Philips is a leader in cardiac care, acute care, and home healthcare, as well as, energy efficient lighting and new lighting applications. Philips wins 50+ awards each year and has a client base that includes 60 Fortune 500 companies.

This is a big company, but this company tries to focuses on their demographic. So, if they being a project, they start by focusing on the people their project is targeting. They get to know their buyer. Because this company is so large, with “116,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide,” they put a point in trying to diversify their team. The backbone of their company consists of over 400 people from over 35 nations. They have 7 main studios in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Philips wants to give people what they want and what they need, all in one. The picture below gives an example of such products.

A child who would usually be afraid of going to the doctors and getting all sorts of exams done will be comforted be the drawing on the wall and the same drawing being projected on the ceiling. The child is comfortable, and the job still gets done.

This company realizes the power of design and tries to use that power for good. “High Design is a practical approach to design that helps to create commercially successful products and solutions that support people in accomplishing and experiencing things in natural, intuitive ways.” It wants to make products that are natural to people. Things that you could just be accustomed to and because of this you would think to yourself, how did I ever live without it.

Their design teams incorporate people from different fields of study, such as philosophy or ergonomics, not just design, because they want to understand people, and make them happy.

They also focus on creating projects that are sustainable; their designs try to be earth friendly. The company even has a specialized force called “Philanthropy by Design.” This branch helps non-profit organizations by donating skills and programs, and they develop humanitarian propositions that address both social and environmental issues.

Every since its beginning stages in the 1920s Philips has produced an array of different products and it kept that trend. In the 60s Philips created their design bureau which focused on all the different products by them selves. Philips has grown to be a strong global brand and will maintain that status if it sticks to its principles, best addressed by the CEO Stefano Marzano:

“Business and Design need to find a common objective that lies beyond the present, beyond the temporary – a goal that goes beyond a single transaction or a specific product. Together they need to take responsibility for leading us away from mediocrity and to connect not just at a commercial level, but at a higher level, as well.” – Stefano Marzano, CEO, Philips Design

Funny Garbage

I decided to talk about Funny Garbage today well, because I have to. But, I went to their site firstly to see what it was about, and when I found out it was a company that was dedicated to creating interfaces that were fun and user friendly I did enjoy learning more about them and seeing some of their projects. Lets get a little biography first shall we?

Funny Garbage has been around for 15 years, since 1996, and its work includes project for large Media companies, like cartoon network! (My fav, Adult swim ANDDDDD totally drama island!!!!!!) Comedy Central, CNN, others… Also, it works with cultural and non-profit institutions, like the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History… and more others… So they do all these projects, they get awards for there graphic designs…. Basically… they are the shit, up in this bitch.

The companies “core are of expertise” is changing information into “fun and easy-to-use digital experiences.” They are really good at changing info to into ridiculously good-looking sites. The goal being to make it easier for the web browser, which translates into more views on the website, hopefully.

But, this kick ass company doesn’t stop there. They know that for good graphic design you need a superb technology department, which they have! Design and Technology, like cheese and mac. (I’m not a big fan of the pbandj… I’m not gonna lie though, I did watch the show) They know that a design can’t just look good, I mean obviously some one has to use it right? But that is what makes Funny Garbage so good! Not all companies think about these things, so that is a really good trait to have.

Funny Garbage does good work. So why have they survived? Well, lets here from them: “during a time when interactive companies struggled to thrive, FG’s ability to adapt and invent, to do great work in a variety of industries and to anticipate and master new technologies, has made FG a leader in the world of media development and interface design and production.”

Funny Garbage got a break, it’s got a good list of regular costumers. It is a really good company who has constantly offered good designs and that is why people keep coming back to it. Two years after their creation, in 1998, they made an interactive online game for South Park, which is a really big television show.

But, the reality is that they are a smart company who is in tuned with the consumer. And behind them they have a solid base of people who each bring their own strength to the company, like their own CEO John Carlin.

Carlin has a unique background in both business and art. He created one of the first museum exhibitions to showcase comic and graphic novel art, showing that he has initiative and drive. His background in business and law gives him a grip on all the desk stuff that comes with being a CEO of a major company, but, his background with pop-art allows him to bring creativity and imagination into the company.

This company is always looking to better the design industry by creating something new. That is the force that should drive a really good company.

Style

It's important to have some style and individuality. So, if you have a website, you have to make a good banner. Creative Curio set up a step by step guide to recreating their banner. You can find these all over the internet!

The Portfolio

If someone doesnt know your name... You have no chance of getting remembered. Have a good logo, and maybe even make it out of your name. A portfolio tip from Core77.

Mixed Design

Like the spork, two designs can come together to create something great! Now Core77 has found something else thats really not nearly as exciting as the spork... But, here it is. Muji and Lego combine to make paper cut outs with lego bricks.

Color

Creative Curio brought me back to my Color Theory days. I usually pick bright colors to draw with because they are the ones I'm attracted too. Looking at the color wheel for inspiration is always a good place to start, but you have to pick the right color combinations. Like the three colors I had to choose to make my Website.