Author: Robin Kang

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3.3 Speculations- Q Duong & Robin Kang

Team 15: Discipline, Journalism, Clothing, Shock

 

In year 2029, the community garden at the Great Park in Orange County is still a place where locals enjoy visiting. The depletion of cotton farming and other natural resources due to global drought has made plastic apparels latest fashion trend in Orange County.  This is apparent when you see people visiting the garden.  A highly regarded and protected community garden hangs vertically in plexiglass greenhouse.  The garden is cultivated with exceptionally controlled water and sunlight environment to minimize production of waste. Fruits and vegetables are produced from the community garden even now.  However, they go through rigorous food processing to omit bacteria growth.  For this reason, scientists discovered a way to genetically modify fruits and vegetables into a small jellybean form.  As a result, price of produce has increased significantly in the past decade.  People don’t seem to mind higher price points after XOXO news published an article arguing that there are superior health benefits to eating fruits and vegetables in a jellybean form.

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Exercise 3.2, Personas: Robin Kang

Persona
SCENARIO

Kelsey is a full-time MBA student at UCI and works part time at Saks Fifth Avenue to pay for her tuition.  She currently lives with her parents, rent free, but hopes to move out when she completes her MBA program next fall.  When Kelsey is not in class, she works in the billing department at Saks Fifth Avenue.  Kelsey works long hours but tries to make personal time for herself when she gets home.  She enjoys meeting new people through online dating apps like match and coffee meets bagel. She’s hoping to connect with someone who is highly intelligent and kind.

STORYBOARD

 

All images used are free for personal and commercial use. No attribution required. www.pexels.com

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Narratives: Robin Kang

I visit my site once or twice a week entirely out of necessity.  On most occasions I stop by Woodbury Town Center only to grab what I need as I am always pressed for time.  Lately, my motto has been quick, easy and on the go.  Dine in, dine out or have a picnic at the park, a sandwich should do the trick!

https://youtu.be/3L6aUuwQy_A

Landscape image is royalty free: Pexels.com

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Exercise 2.3 – Geographies: Robin Kang

Psychogeographic Map (Community)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I initially thought the concept of this exercise was fun and I was looking forward it.  Midway through the exercise, I was frustrated because I felt constrained by the directions. I realized I had to picture my decision points way in advance in order to produce a proper map. Even then I struggled to keep all my observations on paper.  Some areas in my map feel clustered, and other areas feel sparse which is far from reality.  I realized how important it is to understand spatial concept at the geographic scale in creating maps.  Although, I had faced some challenges, my overall experience was positive.

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Informations, Part 3 of 2.1.3: Robin Kang

Election Signs

Hate

 

 

 

 

 

In my perspective, adding three names to an election signage this small is confusing and ineffective. This election sign is strategically posted near busiest intersections of Irvine; however, drivers have seconds to read the sign. This sign is ineffective because it lacks focus and creates noise. The designer should consider Signal-to-Noise Ratio in her/his design discipline.

Like

 

 

 

 

 

I cannot say I love this sign, but I can say that I like Don Barnes’s election sign. I like the usage of green, white and yellow colors. I can easily associate these colors with sheriff’s office. The sheriff’s star in the letter O is another way to drive the message- Don Barnes is running for Sheriff.  I like this sign because it drives clear and concise message.

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Project 2 – Mappings: Robin Kang

WOODBURY TOWN CENTER (PREVIOUSLY ALL HANDS CAR WASH)

Woodbury Town Center is a community plaza surrounded by new residential developments in Irvine, CA. The plaza is owned by the Irvine Company and is a part of City of Irvine’s master building plan.  It is situated at the corner of a busy intersection between Irvine Blvd and Sand Canyon Ave.

Force 1: Traffic and Parking

The Woodbury Town Center has total of nine parking lots and seven entry points. The center’s major traffic flows from Irvine Blvd. side of entry point and Sand Canyon Ave. entry point. On weekends, parking lots by Ralphs, Trader Joe’s and restaurants are mostly full, making people park in other parking lots and walk towards Ralphs and Trader Joe’s.

Force 2: Locals

Woodbury Town Center attracts many local families.  There is a playground for kids in the center, near all the restaurants where children can play while parents socialize and watch the kids. I see many multigenerational families of kids, parents and grandparents in this part of the center.

Force 3: Water fountain

A large water fountain is located in front of LA Fitness, in between restaurants and the playground. The falling water sound creates tranquil atmosphere by blocking out busy noise from all around traffic.

Force 4: Variety of Restaurants

All the restaurants, except one- Fish District are located in one section of the plaza. From sandwich to sushi, a wide variety of available restaurants.

Force 5: Hidden Alleyway

I found a hidden alleyway next to LA Fitness by accident. As I was taking photos of the water fountain, I saw a small alleyway in the photo. In my exploration, I found amazon’s locker in the alleyway.

#6: Create a map of each of your five forces
Force 1 map: Traffic and Parking

 

 

 

 

 

Force 2 map: Locals

 

 

 

 

 

Force 3 map: Water Fountain

 

 

 

 

 

Force 4 map: Variety of Restaurants

 

 

 

 

 

Force 5 map: Hidden Alleyway

 

 

 

 

 

5 Forces Combined: Final Map

 

5 Forces Combined: Final Map Revised

After reviewing all comments and suggestions, I have made an update to my final map.  A legend is added as a quick reference guide to Woodbury Town Center.  Varying levels of color transparency represents high and low volume.  Also, the representation of people feels more natural in the final map revision. Download PDF

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Informations, Part 2.1.2: Robin Kang

This is a map of Los Angeles International Airport.  LAX is located 18 miles southwest of Downtown LA and is the 5th busiest airport in the world.  Looking at this 3D map, three principles immediately comes to mind: Ockham’s Razor, Wayfinding, and Color.

One can imagine how complex it is to design a map of LAX or alike.  The map depicted below shows application of Ockham’s Razor principle which emphasizes simplicity is always preferred over complex designs.  The absence of landscape, 3D rendering of structures, minimal color choices illustrates efficiency and simplicity of this map.

 

Next, wayfinding principle.  The map also successfully allows navigability in the space showing location of a theme building, terminals, control tower and parking structures.  The Arrival and Departure routes are specified with arrows to indicate orientation and destination recognition in the environment. The map further reveals diagram key for clear and consistent identities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The third principle I noticed was color.  Primary colors of blue and red are used to direct importance of Arrival and Departure areas.  The more muted colors of terminals indicated they are all alike.  The limited palette of colors used in the map relieve the complexity of Los Angeles airport.

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Team 6 Principle #2: Consistency

The principle of consistency enables people to learn new systems faster and efficiently deliver knowledge to new frameworks. The systems are more usable and learnable when they are presented in similar ways. Consistency helps people focus their attention on the task at hand. There are four categories of consistency: aesthetic, functional, internal, and external.

Aesthetic consistency means consistency in style. Aesthetic consistency helps things easily identifiable for people.  As an example, a company logo is great identifier of who the company is and what the company does. When the logo is used consistently (same font, color, graphic, and tagline), then a brand is born. Aesthetic consistency enhances recognition and communicates emotional connection between brand and people.

Functional consistency improves usability by formulating existing knowledge of how designs functions. When similar controls function the same way, it is called functional consistency. The consistent use of symbols on a new device increases predictability of the product, which makes the new device easier to use and learn.

Internal consistency relates to correlation of elements in the system. This is a blend of both visual and functional consistency. As an example, if updating a webpage with new elements, you should also update other older webpages in the website with same elements.

External consistency refers to consistency across multiple independent systems. Adobe products are good examples of external consistency. Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator have similar tools and features that is recognizable to the users. Therefore, if you know Photoshop you can apply that knowledge to learn Adobe Illustrator.

 

Visual depiction from Universal Principles of Design

“Bob Evans uses the same logo, typefaces, color, schemes, menus, staff uniforms, interior design, and architecture across its restaurants. The consistency improves brand recognition, reduces costs, and establishes a relationship with customers that extends beyond any single restaurant.” (Lidwell, Holden, Butler 2010, p.57)

Online visual depiction

Elements of website designs to include Aesthetic consistency, Functional consistency, Internal consistency, (https://gofishdigital.com/guide-design-consistency/) and External consistency. (https://uxdesign.cc/design-principle-consistency-6b0cf7e7339f)

Real life visual depiction

Aesthetic consistency: Apple logo on MackBook Pro, iMac, Magic Mouse in Silver and in Space Gray

Functional consistency: Roku remote control, Samsung LED remote control, Samsung Blue-ray remote control (play, pause, fast-forward and rewind buttons)

Internal consistency: In the city of Irvine, street signs are brown with white letters

External consistency:  Ubiquitous and recognizable restroom signs

References:

William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, Jill Butler (2010), Universal Principles of Design, Beverly, MA: Rockport, 2010

Matt Burt (2017) A Beginner’s Guide to Achieving Web Design Consistency, Go Fish Digital, https://gofishdigital.com/guide-design-consistency/

Anton Nikolov (2017) Design principle: Consistency, The most known and the most fragile design principle., UX Collective, https://uxdesign.cc/design-principle-consistency-6b0cf7e7339f

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Team 6 Principle #1: 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 rule also known as Pareto’s Principle state that 80% of output is produced by 20% of its inputs.  The exact measurement in percentages are not crucial as it varies between 10 percent and 30 percent. The 80/20 rule has practical implications for interface design, engineering, and economics to name a few.  The Pareto’s Principle is useful when assessing value of elements, target features, and concentrate resources for optimization. For example, when critical 20 percent of a product’s features are used by 80 percent of the time the focus should be applied to the critical 20 percent.  When redesigning systems that make them more efficient, focusing on noncritical functions that are part of the less valuables 80 percent should be minimized or removed from the design.

Examples of 80/20 rule:

“80% of town’s traffic is on 20% of its road.
(Lidwell, Holden, Butler 2010, p.14)
“80% of a company’s revenue comes from 20% of its products.”
(Lidwell, Holden, Butler 2010, p.14)
“80% of errors are caused by 20% of code”
(Lidwell, Holden, Butler 2010, p.14)

Visual depiction from Universal Principles of Design

“Graphical user interfaces conceal most of their functions in drop-down menus (bottom image).  Identifying the critical 20% of the functions and making them readily available in toolbar solves the problem (top image). ” (Lidwell, Holden, Butler 2010, p.15)

Online visual depiction

It is common that in certain areas of the website will fall under 20% of most–used functions. When designing a mobile version of the website, design focus is channeled on that very 20%.  As an example, a mobile version of Petco.com shows us that 80% of functions that are least used in the full website is not included in the mobile version.
(https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2011/02/the-8020-rule-applied-to-web-design/

Real life visual depiction

There are 10 players in my son’s soccer team. The 80% of the goals are scored by 20% of the players.

References:

William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, Jill Butler (2010), Universal Principles of Design, Beverly, MA: Rockport, 2010.

80/20 Rule Applied to Web Design (2011) Mobile Design Trends and the 80/20 Rule https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2011/02/the-8020-rule-applied-to-web-design/

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Objects, Part 2: Robin Kang

HOME OFFICE CHAIR
I’ve had this home office executive chair for a very long time. It survived five moves between Los Angeles to Orange County, and one year in public storage.  This chair has many scuff marks in its ripple body, the height adjustable seat and tilt mechanism no longer work. Nonetheless, I like the modern look and the simplicity of this chair. I only wish this chair had added cushion for extra comfort.

CHAIR IN MY ROOM
The most attractive part about this chair is its chrome plated frame constructed in one single piece that looks like an X. The tufted black leather seat is slick and modern, and I really enjoy sitting in it while I read or watch television.  The armless structure of the chair make it feel inviting without hesitation.  This is not the most comfortable chair I own but it is more comfortable than my first impression of seeing this chair.

DESK CHAIR
The desk chair I bought for my son is the cutest thing. This chair is mid-century modern style with blue molded seat, held up by wooden legs, and legs reinforced by iron stretchers. I appreciate the combination of wood, metal and vinyl materials used to construct this chair. It is lightweight which makes it perfect for my little guy with little hands. When my son spilled Elmer’s glue on the chair in his attempt to make slime, the clean-up was easy.

DINING CHAIR
This dining chair is one of four dining chairs I purchased from Restoration Hardware. I like this chair because of its clean lines and comfort. The seat cushion is filled with down feathers, single foam base, and covered in easy to clean white canvas fabric. The chrome legs match my coffee table and accent table in the great room. My dining chair is conducive to my home décor.

OFFICE CHAIR
I think I sit in my office chair for about six hours a day. There is nothing unique about my black office chair as it looks like every other office chair I had before. It is a standard swivel chair with arm rest and mesh back for airflow and support. It has height and reclining adjustment controls underneath the seat with several other levers I don’t understand how they function. I don’t find it fun or exciting about my office chair.

DRIVER’S SEAT
I find my driver’s seat very comfortable indeed. I can adjust the height of my driver’s seat, legroom, back support and headrest all from my side door. The semi-bucket sport style seat molds into my body, making me feel snug and safe when I drive. I’ve always had black or gray seats with black or gray interior. Either I’m boring or I love the way everything looks harmonious in my car. The best part about my driver’s seat is that it can be heated. This option is great for winter time in Southern California!

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Objects, Part 1: Robin Kang

LOVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love my Louis Vuitton Zippy wallet in Damier Azur. I bought this wallet more than seven years ago and it still looks and feels great. My wallet is made out of coated canvas on the outside, cowhide leather lining on the inside with strong golden metal pieces. What I love most about this wallet is the affordance; its large capacity with 12 credit cards slots, zip coin pock, and large gusseted compartments to fit your daily essentials. I can put my Galaxy Note 8 in this wallet and still able to zip close to carry as clutch, so I don’t have to carry my big handbag. 

Furthermore, Damier Azur black and white checkered pattern is stylish, clean, and modern. I particularly appreciate brand’s logo not being all over the canvas.  The Zippy wallet was pricey, however, even after 7 years, my wallet is in great condition.  I think it’s worth every penny.

HATE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An object I hate in my house has to be the HP Pavilion dv6-3013cl Entertainment Notebook PC laptop that I purchased about a year ago from Costco. What I thought was a sweet deal of only $300, now I’m thinking I paid $300 too much. I wanted a simple computer with decent glossy display for online surfing, occasional light work and email exchange.

First, battery life on this laptop is terrible– 2 hours to 2.5 hours maximum. Second, the processing speed is super slow and makes waiting time unpleasant, especially when I’m in a rush. I often had to close my laptop before the content loaded steaming with frustrations! The trackpad on the HP Pavilion is not as responsive. It fails to act when I left click, only after several attempts it will register. The tactile and aural impressions are apparent, nevertheless, I often experience failure in its response.

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Histories: Robin Kang

Eames® Lounge and Ottoman for Herman Miller

EAMES® LOUNGE AND OTTOMAN
For Herman Miller

The iconic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (1956) designed by Charles and Ray Eames, inspired me in the past and continue to inspire me today.  When Charles and Ray Eames designed Eames Lounge Chair, they were inspired by “the warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.”—Charles Eames.  I appreciate their desire to take familiar fixture like a lounge chair and made it sophisticated and simple.  I love the combination of soft and luxurious leather with sleek modern lines of molded plywood.  The construction of contrasting materials coming together beautifully as one sophisticated piece really inspire me.

“Design is an expression of the purpose.” Charles Eames

 

When I look at the lifespan of Eames Lounge Chair, I am reminded when an artifact is well designed, it stays connected with the world of today and tomorrow.  As a designer I strive to be more creative and more expressive in my designs.  However, at the end of the day if I’m not focused on the end user, I would have failed as a designer.