Dissertation part 2

This is my second draft for my dissertation proposal.

Working title (max 25 words)
How do weavers earn a living? Investigate how weaver’s skills fit into current jobs.


Summary (max 250 words)
Due to my chosen discipline being weave within my textile course, I am researching where my knowledge and skills that I will have learned by the time I finish in 4th year, will lead me within the current job market. I feel I have the skills of a ‘lost craft’ for the forthcoming years ahead so I want to research current weavers that work within the craft and business sector and their journeys fittings into the workplace. Portfolios careers is a new way of introducing skills into cross-discipline jobs and think it’s important to bring design ideas into a non-design job. I also understand that craft has to engage with targeted consumer interests in order for a weaver to be successful. I intend to investigate what the consumer’s needs are and how to constantly meet their desires. “Do you stick with the tried and tested formula or do you leap into the unknown?” (NESTA 2009).


Aims: Why are you doing this? (max 100 words)
The aim of this dissertation is to investigate how weavers and companies that still manufacture their own cloth can fit into modern day craft as consumers have constant changing needs and requirements. This research will give me an insight into the possible career opportunities available to me and the different areas my given discipline can fit into. I want to create awareness of the importance and benefits of weave, so students will continue to choose weave as specialist subject.


Objectives: What will you produce? (max 100 words)
 I want to provide evidence that weave is becoming a lost craft and interview Scottish weavers as a case study and weave companies because very few still manufacture in Scotland.
 Find out what skills weavers have compared to other disciplines.
 Discover how big a part craft plays within the current market and how to enhance these figures.
 Consumers needs
 Teach importance of craft.
 Ethical values

Keywords (min 5 and max 10)
 Contemporary Scottish weavers
 Craft makers
 Making a life out of craft
 Weave Manufacturing
 Traditional weave techniques
 Cross disciplines

Annotated Bibliography
Dovecot Studios. Weavers [online] (updated 30 Nov 2010) Available at: [accessed 30 Nov 2010].

Description - There is a list of Weaver’s name and what they area they are particularly interested in within the discipline. They could be a good source as a point of contact.

Dumelow, I. MacLennan, H. and Stanley, N., 1999. Planning the Future. Wiltshire: NSEAD.

Description - The book gives an insight into career and employment trends straight after graduation.

Hunt, W, Ball, L, and Pollard, E,. 2010. Crafting Futures. Crafts Council [online] Available at: [accessed 19 Nov 2010]

Description - Explores the early careers patterns after graduation working within the craft sector and looking at the different areas of craft they diverse into.

Johnstons of Elgin. WeavingWarping [online] (Updated 30 Nov 10) Available at: [Accessed 30 Nov 2010].

Description - This website is giving a full description of the Weave process. This will explain the process to non-weavers and emphasis the amount of work that goes into the making cloth.

Lauren Crawford [online] Available at: [accessed 02 Dec 2010]

Description - A weaver that graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone who has created a successful business selling work in several different stores and locations with help frm NESTA. She would be a great point of contact to find out her journey from graduating to setting up her own brand.

McIntyre, M,. 2010. Consuming Craft: the contemporary craft market in a changing economy. Crafts Council [online] Available at: [accessed 19 Nov 2010]

Description - How contemporary craft consumption has evolved since 2004 and the ways in which we can continue to increase the number of consumers buying craft products.

NESTA, 2009. Ensuring economic growth of the UK’s creative industries [online] London: NESTA. Available at: < http://www.nesta.org.uk/publications/guest_articles/assets/features/ensuring_economic_growth_of_the_uks_creative_industries> [accessed 26 Nov 2010]

Description - The point this author is making is to constantly move with the market trying new techniques and don’t try to create something that has already been done. I find this article very inspiring and the key to keeping the consumers interests at heart.

New designers, 2010 [online] Available at: < http://www.newdesigners.com/page.cfm/Link=1/t=m/goSection=1> [accessed 30 Nov 2010]

Description - This website gives information about how to advertise youself after graduation. It gives you the chance be picked up by designers and given the opportunity of a career whether it’s working for them or commissioned work.


Niedderer, k and Townsend, K., 2010. Editorial. Craft Research, 1(1), pp.3-10

Description - Several definitions of craft. Makers expressing their points of view.

RCMG, 2004. Not for the likes of you a resource for practitioners [online] Available at: < http://www.takingpartinthearts.com/content.php?content=1026> [accessed 26 Nov 2010]

Description - This book gives a resource list of how to help anyone working within the art sector meet the needs of those who wouldn’t normally be targeted to open up the market to a widen audience.

Schwarz, M., and Yair, K.,2010. Making Value: craft & the economic and social contribution of makers. Crafts Council [online] Available at: [accessed 19 Nov 2010]

Description - Looks at portfolio making and the disciplines their skills have led into including, community and educational surroundings.

Assignment 2 Post Consumerism

Post Consumerism is becoming more and more a part of daily lives, although this is a new recent way of thinking. It’s introducing an ‘eco friendly’ approach, taking more time to think before buying. A bit like a reflector! Instead of a person being influenced by advertisements, peers and trends, purchasing items/objects even though they don’t need it but only just ‘want it’, they consider their options and buy quality rather than quantity so it lasts for a longer period of time.

A post consumer will identify what they need and buy because it’s an essential! Price doesn’t matter because they want to use it over and over again and re-cycle rather than chucking it away. They will think about many different subjects within their daily routines and chose the one which impacts the environment the least.

In our groups we all chose a subject to gather images from, mines was transport. I got images for bicycles which create no carbon emissions, cars with no road tax, looked at increasing petrol prices, public transport to explore the best way to create a profile for a post consumer.

Learning styles assignment 1a & 1b

For our first assignment of semester two we had to take a individual learning test to figure out what type of learner I am in practice. This is to see how my learning skills can be put to good use in a team. There are four different types:
Activists - Activists like to be involved in new experiences and are enthusiastic about new ideas. They enjoy doing things and tend to act first and consider the implications afterwards. They are unlikely to prepare for the learning experience or review their learning afterwards.
Reflectors - Reflectors like to view the situation from different perspectives. They like to collect data, review and think carefully before coming to any conclusions. They enjoy observing others and will listen to their views before offering their own.
Theorists - Theorists like to adapt and integrate observations into complex and logically sound theories. They think problems through step- by-step. They tend to be perfectionists who like to fit things into a rational scheme.
Pragmatists - Pragmatists are eager to try things out. They like concepts that can be applied to their job. They tend to be impatient with lengthy discussions and are practical and down to earth.
When I took the test I was a strong very Activist, moderate Reflector, moderate Pragmatist and a low Theorist. In my studio work I do jump into new ideas quickly even if they’re not appropriate and deal with the consequences later. Activist describes me very well.
I later met up with my study group to discuss what each one of us is. The results are as follows:
Karen - Activist
Libby - Activist
Sarah - Activist
Myself - Activist
Emma - Pragmatist
Tom - Reflector
Brogan - Theorist

From the results our group is predominantly Activists. We can overcome this situation by assessing each other’s comments and trying to take a step back to think it over. I personally think because we have alot of Activists we can make a decision quickly, try it out and if it doesn’t work still have time to try new ideas.

Summary 2

In this publication “Ensuring economic growth of the UK’s creative industries” by NESTA, outlines several key issues that is addressed through out: Growth, New Business Models, access to capital and public policy. The key point that is being addressed is how NESTA can help keep UK businesses on their toes.

Although NESTA is biased and trying to give publicity to the company, there is many valid points that businesses would find very useful and uses first hand resources from NESTA it’s self and other authorities. A question which is raised is “What can be done… so the UK can continue to host one of the world’s most dynamic and inspiring sectors?” In response, an example of Warner Bros is used along with several different areas of the market including: film, gaming, design, software and television, to emphasis - when trying to achieve a goal you need to take risks. Push the boundaries even if you don’t know what the outcome will be, then something greater can come out of it “combination of creative vision and business innovation, ultimately the key to huge commercial success”.

Access to capital explains how creative businesses are seen to be the ones which fail, because they are usually managed by those with creative passion but not with those with skills in managing the company (NESTA 2009). This is based on research as shown in the figures, “Bank lending to businesses fell by £8.4 billion and Venture Capital is down 70% in 2008”. Although previously stated the best way to create something unique is to try a different formula from previous attempts and take a step into the unknown (NESTA 2009), this current climate new businesses don’t have the money to do but this is where “early-stage risk finance is available for the UK's most promising creative businesses” (NESTA 2009) giving a helping hand to create a dream.

Public Policy needs to be as flexible and update with the rapid changes on the industry (NESTA 2009). Due to the continuous fall in the previous figure, “bank lending has fallen…” if creative businesses don’t contintue to rise or stay at a stable figure, other business sector’s will be affected because, “creative businesses stimulate and support innovation in the wider economy through their B2B relationships with other sectors” showing creativity has an impact on different areas proving design can cross-discipline into non discipline roles.

There is already a conclusion stated by NESTA - “The creative industries have the potential to grow the UK out of recession. But the rules of the game are changing fast. What made the UK's creative businesses successful in the past will not keep them at the top in the future” in my opinion to conclude yes I think we need to take risks where possible but I think designs need to continue to create new and intriguing inventions/designs to keep a business at the top.


NESTA, 2009. Ensuring economic growth of the UK’s creative industries [online] London: NESTA. Available at: < http://www.nesta.org.uk/publications/guest_articles/assets/features/ensuring_economic_growth_of_the_uks_creative_industries> [accessed 26 Nov 2010]

Summary 1

The book, “Consuming Craft the contemporary craft market in a changing economy” by Morris Hargreaves McIntyre looks into the increase of craft consumption in England through the use of figures by compiling research from an online population survey, compared to figures in 2004. This book gives an overview of how to increase the number of consumers buying craft products during the current ‘changing economy’, emphasising how to target current and potential buyers for forthcoming years.

Hargreaves aims to inform a wide range of craft sectors how to change opinions of those who are interested in craft but haven’t yet purchased anything and keep the interest of active buyers (Hargreaves, 2010). Giving organisations and makers’ different ways in which to approach buyer’s interests, will help to create new inspiration and techniques to approach the market to have a successful craft career. Creating specific work to the target audience, with a personal interest will encourage consumers and engage them in your work, resulting in them being intriguing to find out more. “Connecting craft to specific lifestyle interests and market niches, such as vintage fashion or sustainability, could enable potential and lapsed buyers to meet their existing needs” (Hargreaves, 2010).

The definition of craft: “By original, handmade craft, we mean any object that has been made by hand by a craft maker” (Hargreaves, 2010). Craft has a unique aesthetic that is created by hand appealing to consumers although the collated research indicates these properties don’t attract all personalities. One advantage of craft is the elimination of ethical labour. Craft provides “luxury and desirable goods”, without worrying about human rights and fair trade (Hargreaves, 2010). Promoting awareness of the sustainability of a product can increase product sales because it’s designed to last.

The author gives clear facts and figures for active, potential and those not on in the market to give a well rounded argument. A high majority of active buyers take part in craft themselves therefore they appreciate the skills involved to create craft (Hargreaves, 2010). Active buyers already know what they are buying into because they know the processes and time that goes into each product. To convert the 9% of potential buyers that don’t take part in any craft exercise they need to learn about craft in order to appreciate the skills. In order to do this encourage making craft for themselves and attend activities like workshops and craft fairs at least six times within one year.

To conclude this book has been structured in a way to give clear precise information to present her research. Hargreaves doesn’t try to make any assumptions therefore the information is easy to follow. The key concept here is to find ways to continue to see active buyers love for craft through purchase and start to involve potential buyers through strategies to make them interested.


McIntyre, M,. 2010. Consuming Craft: the contemporary craft market in a changing economy. Crafts Council [online] Available at: [accessed 19 Nov 2010]

assignment 3

I have a vague idea of what topic I want to research for my dissertation but still not clear on the decided area. We recently had a lecture by Jonathon Baldwin on, "Made in China" which sparked my ideas. I want to look into manufactures outsourcing so products can made cheaply made. I can branch off into several different tangents so this is where I need to research and find the most interesting part to keep me focused and intrigued.



When I met up with the group, we went round the table and in turns spoke briefly about what we want to write about then all shouted out ideas to add to the original mind maps we have. This was to trigger an idea we may not have thought ourself that couldn't be of interest.

wiki post

Definition

Education is the key to further expand your knowledge and understanding through a learning process. It passes information from one generation to the next from gathered primary and secondary sources. Education is not always taught, it can be self-learning through a wide range of media now available including internet sources, primary knowledge from the older generations and libraries.

Teachers educate students from pre-school to grad-school which is also know as ‘schooling’ Owsten R, (1997) but children educate themselves from birth through listening and ‘play’. Through teaching methods, the individual gains knowledge and skills that they will continue to build on throughout there life time.

The word education originates form ‘mid 16th century: from Latin educatio(n-), from the verb educare.’ Oxford Dictionaries, 2010 which in Latin means to “bring up”.

History

Education can be divided into loads of different sub heading due to the different techniques, skills used, who the leaner is and the age of the recipient.
In this technology based society we live in, our world is being forced into using technology as a very useful part of everyday live. Education is heavily involved in using technology to teach, and as a teaching source.

Students in further education hugely depend on the internet and its widening functions. “Both teachers and learners must adapt to new styles of teaching and learning to meet future learning requirements.” (French, Hake, Johnson, Farr, 1999). It is far easier for students to embark in independent study if necessary, due to the internet having so many resources and having easy access to other educational tools. This places far more responsibility into learning for themselves and finding their own information rather than depending on a teacher to gather and present the research for them.This is backed up by (French, Hake, Johnson, Farr, 1999) “self-directed learning places the learner rather than the teacher in charge for some or most of the learning process.” This should be an exciting part of learning because this gives responsibility to find out new subject matter and gains new skills. Also giving the teacher a different role as (French, Hake, Johnson, Farr, 1999) explains, “He or she will not be an actor of transmission of just consumption, but will become the facilitator of learning and research as a whole process”, encouraging students to find their own educational solution.

Although Technology plays an important factor in Education there is many teaching techniques that remain the same.

Bauhaus operated during 1919 – 1928. To-date Art students still follow the General Foundation Art course that was introduced by the Bauhaus. “Introduced by the German Bauhaus as a preparation for the follow-up design courses” (Bredendieck, 1962) states and also explain how it used to be called “Foundation-workshops” and still remains to be the General Course.

Although Technology is coming into play with Education is it still Education along with Technology. The Internet is only a resource that Teachers can use to educate but may change the way educators from pre-school to further education compose their teaching plans (Owston 1997).

Design

Although technology in the future may do away with typical classroom text books and introduce other forms of technology, teaching methods will still need to be applied to educate the former students. As (Hooper and Rieber, 1995) states the “questions such as how a classroom might change or adapt when a computer is integrated into the curriculum.” This is not technically a bad situation if teaching methods can be improved for better results. With the moon integrated as part of Google Earth, it is now possible to look at pictures taken from forty years ago when two humans walked on the moon. “The Moon add-on has extensive satellite pictures and detailed information about the lunar surface - as well as detailed panoramas of the lunar landing sites.” (Sky News, 2010) This is a good source for teachers to incorporate into a teaching lesson to explain historical situations rather than using a flat text book with sketchbook pictures to try and replicate images that will not be accurate, or using a globe that doesn’t have the graphics required to give indications of the real thing. This can be used as part of projects to feed children’s imagination and explore the idea, using this technology to give an indication of what be like to be an astronaut.

3D interactive heart has recently been created to show all the parts of a human heart including pulsing veins and arteries. This is a great invention for medical students, “to take medical lessons into the 21st century, say the doctors from University College Hospital who created the Heart works model.” (Sky News, 2010). This does away with the use of animal hearts which can only be used for a certain amount of days and students in Biology whom may not want to touch a real life heart, taking a more hands on approach to their studies. Primary schools can also be exposed to this ‘real live heart’ as part of a project because due to the fragility of young children they cannot see an animal organ because it’s too graphic. This 3D heart can then become introduced into primary schools. As explained on (Sky News, 2010) “This 3D computer generated heart simulator” will also replace the use of textbook in primary, secondary and further education and do away with using deceased patient’s hearts for research purposes. This new invention will make any other methods seem ‘old-fashioned’.

Medical students will benefit from this greatly because when graduates takes part in their first cardiac operation they may feel under pressure and extremely nervous where as if they have first hand experience dealing with this piece of technology they will educate themselves with the techniques to under go an operation safely without exposing any implications in the hospital operating theatres, suggested by (Sky News, 2010). Due to the hands of nature of a medical student when it comes to graphin images, it is better to see the image rather trying to understand through text says, (Cousin, 2009) “Images evoke deeper elements of human consciousness than do words.”

Bibliography

Bredendieck, H., 1962. The Legacy of the Bauhaus. Art Journal, 22(1), pp. 15-21

Cousin, G., 2009. Researching learning in Higher Education. Oxon: Taylor and Francis.

French, D. Hake, C. Johnson, C. Farr, G., 1999. Internet Based Learning. Canada: Stylus Publishing, LLC.

Hooper, S, and Rieber, L., P 1995. Teaching with technology

Owston, R D, 1997. The World Wide Web: A Technology to Enhance Teaching and Learning? Educational Researcher, 26 (2) pp 27-33.

Sky News, 2010. Doctors Create 3D Virtual Heart [online] (Updated 19 September 2008) Available at: [accessed 04 October 2010]


Sky News,2010. Explore The Moon In 3D with Google Earth [online] (Updated 20 July 2009) Available at: [accessed 04 October 2010]

Wiki mindmap

wiki assignment

Group 12 met up to discuss which topic we were going to take forward for the wiki assignment.

Brogan – Ethical Labour & Design but later e-mailed to say she was changing to Gender & Design as she didn’t feel she could gather enough information.

Sarah – Social Networking & Design

Karen – Social Sustainability

Liberty – Environmental Sustainability

Emma – Fair trade & Design

Tom – Interactivity & Design

Euan – Upcycling / Downcycling / recycling & Design

Myself – Education & Design

We later created a mind map each on out own individual topics and try to expand on the areas we may look into.

5B proposal

In my studio practice, my most recent project has been self-motivated. My project is based on birds feathers. I am interested to understand why birds feather as coloured the way they are. Is it warn off, of attract other birds. I want to also look into birds eyesight. I know that birds eyesight is extraordinary so I would like to research the colour spectrum from their perspective. Some birds see in UV light so I want to research the colours their eyes see other birds in. These colours will influence my development work.

As it is a self-motivated project, I was able to choose practically anything I wanted having such a wide scope, I found it hard to narrow it down. If given the chance to re-do the initial research I would consider tackling this project differently incorporating Design Studies methods. I feel I would benefit most using methods for my research because I personally think the most crucial part is getting solid knowledge and facts about the project ahead.

I am gearing my work towards ladies night wear. As I am particularly interested in fashion, I could use secondary sources like, View magazine to give an insight into what the future forecasts are but depending my target market this secondary resource may not always be useful. To keep up with the latest designer trends, I will watch the internet to find their work displayed on catwalks. I will look up other artist’s work that has designed for middle age woman and also artists that have produced designs from nature for inspiration. I will see what works well and understand why it’s good. Maybe it’s the scale or composition, later I will go back and consider these points for mine.

Whilst in my third and fourth year I will continue to use cross search to find information on my topic directly. As it’s on birds feather, I would look at wildlife and nature books. I could also watch wildlife programs and document important information in my sketchbook.

A method of research I would use is interviews. I am targeting the middle aged generation and I will need to know their needs. I would interview ladies to see what they are interested in when buying clothes, what styles they like and how extravagant they like particular items and why, so I can manipulate what they like into my own unique style. I would also interview shop assistants changing my interview questions to see what their perspective on what the middle aged generation require. After collecting results I will be able to expand my brief explaining the criteria I need to meet when going through my design process.

As ladies might not like to be interrogated about their dress sense, I would combine my research with observation source drawings. Sketching middle age women’s movement and posture concentrating on how clothes complement their bodies. I can then decide what textures my designs need to be to create a flattering garment for the body.

After researching through primary and secondary resources I will use spider diagrams to expand on my brief explaining what drawing and developing techniques would best suit the project. Using this it lets you branch out with many different ‘spur of the moment’ ideas and still keeps the same ideas grouped together.

To bring my ideas together I would a create mood board with initial sketches and what has inspired me, introduction colour swatches. In doing this, I can see where I am taking the project, critically analysing it, to see if it’s working or not. I can have discussions with peers about my work. My boards will have a good visualisation of my ideas. They can give me input which could spark new relevant ideas for my development stage.

In my work I want to focus on the structure of the feathers overlapping creating layers and patterns. I want this to come across in my final designs. The client needs to see where my source drawings have came from by retaining the strong shapes through out my work. As images can be interpreted differently by clients, I would meet at regular stages of the development process with tutors showing development boards to ensure I am sticking to my original brief.

Although I am studying textiles as a discipline, I also find myself crossing over boundaries when I am in Design Study lectures thinking of how to incorporate textiles into the world issues. I am starting to think of myself as a designer rather than a textile designer. During lectures I have realised that being a designer is about thought processes and ‘thinking outside the box’. Going through a design step-by-step process is a logical way of working and is a crucial part of any working environment.
As a designer I am starting to think of situations in a creative manner, how can textiles solve this issue? Can I simplify this issue and incorporate it into my studio work.

5A proposal

In my last assignment I’m relating back to the topic I covered in semester one which was how alcohol increases crime. I want to take my research further, investigating the issue in my local area. I feel that when the public are on a night out drinking no matter what their age, alcohol increases their confidence and increases the crime rate. This can be dangerous and an intimidating environment to be a part of, if any crime starts. I want to research this topic as I feel the crime rate is increasing, especially due to alcohol fuelled behaviour and the general public are at risk. For this reason I feel it is necessary to address the issue, to decrease the crime rate. My aim is to try and understand why aggressive behaviour breakouts out more frequently through alcohol and what triggers situations that lead to crime.

I feel it is necessary to combine primary research with secondary resources. I previously looked at “The facts about Alcohol, aggression and adolescence”, Coggans, N and McKellar, S (1995) which explores the concept of aggression occurring whilst drinking. My theory is the same as these authors, “It is widely believed that alcohol causes aggression in the sense that people are more likely to become aggressive or even violent if they drink alcohol”. This book has emphasised how the same theory has been publicised and became public knowledge but not enough action has been taken to reduce this increasing factor.

I would gather a lot of useful information from books and journals, regarding what the effects of alcohol have on people. I would use the library to find more books and journals on alcoholism and alcohol fuelled crimes. This is a very reliable accurate source but they may be dated and would be generalised. I would only use books and journals to back up finding from my primary research as my investigation would be up-to-date and be specific to my local area. It would be interesting to get figures and statistics from the police on how many crimes have been inflicted by alcohol and resulted in arrests been undertaken. I would be able see if the figures have risen or fallen over a period of time. Also I would look at psychology books to find out what other factors could increase aggression whilst drinking as alcohol may not cause the initial aggression as Coggans, N and McKellar, S (1995) explained what other factors may trigger the aggression: “individual factors such as personality, characteristics, situational factors including perceptions of the environment.”

For my primary research I feel interviews would be the most appropriate method. The reason being I can target a wide age range by selecting a person on their age and how they fit into my research. This gives opinions from a wider angle producing research on a general scope rather than a biased perspective. I would interview: bar workers that are serving the people consuming alcohol. Bouncers because they watch the public enter the building and can compare the state they walk out in. Police driving panda cars and the officers in the station that is reasonable for anyone who is celled for drunken disorder. Several people who binge drink, varying the age groups and sex. T-total people who are socialising with others consuming alcohol seeing the change in attitudes and appearances. A worker in a fast food restaurant, as its mobbed when the clubs shut with people purchasing food before heading home. Initially I would select around 15 people to interview but may interview more depending on how reliable the answers were. I would have a semi-structured interview so I can ask more relevant questions depending on their age and role in my interviews recording them with a dictaphone so I can give the person my full attention creating a better atmosphere.

Observation could be another option but this may be too dangerous. I would observe the public in public spaces where the bars and clubs are situated at different times of the day. This would give me first hand visualisation of the situations that occur, so I understand situations better. In doing this I could then prepare the most relevant questions for my interviews as I would have visual pictures in my head. I would record my findings with a video and also photographs. This particular method would be better done in a group or pairs to avoid any suspicion. In doing this technique you need to make sure you don’t make anyone feel uncomfortable when they are being watched as it changes the results. If I was going to photograph a particular situation and only one person would be in the photograph I wouldn’t advise that I asked their permission as their reaction could be unexpected and violent.

I have previous used techniques such as viewing photographs to draw conclusions and showing others images and text to create a desired outcome. These would be less appropriate. The reason is because photographs can be misleading with out having any other previous knowledge to back the image up. The photograph is a set image and I cannot view behaviour through an image that isn’t moving. Having a photograph and text will generalise a situation. When people are drinking they will not all be in the same mental and physical state and I want to view movement and behaviour to draw conclusions.

To conclude my investigation, I will use interviews as the main resource for research providing me with the information I need to make decisions on the problem I am addressing. This will give me a better understanding as to why alcohol fuelled crime is becoming an increasing problem in my local area and ways in which this may be prevented.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Coggans, N and McKellar, S (1995) The facts about Alcohol, aggression and adolescence, Kent, MacKays of Chatham PLC.

Rhetoric of the image

I have read as the first part of the assignment, "The Rhetoric of the Image" by Roland Barthes. As this essay was originally in French then converted into English, I found the language used hard to follow. Once I met up with the group it became more clear his intentions for the text and related it back to our own discipline. We discussed the essay as a whole and the implications that we may come across in Textile Design.

In our groups we discussed styles of clothing and how they portray our personalities and different cultures. As images can be open to interpretations we as designers, if we want to target a wide multi-cultural audience need to take into consideration colour and symbols. If my target market was for the elder generation and I was adding text, I wouldn’t use yellow. This is because as there eye sight starts to deteriorate, they struggle to see this colour.

As a textile designer my final outcomes are designs rather than a replica of the source material that I have developed. In this case depending on the target market or if it was for a special awareness campaign, then text may be needed to identify where my design has came from. But as a designer I should be able to produce a piece that contains hidden semiotics that I explain myself enough through my work rather than adding typography. Although clients may interpret my work in a different way from what I intended, in my personal opinion I don’t see this as a bad thing. They may prefer to see my work from a different light and still want to purchase it.

For this assignment referring to Barthes essay I created my own experiment using semiotics and adding text to see if it changed the participants interpretation. I found random images from the website www.sxc.hu. I selected images from “randomizer” which gave me a selection of images that had no links between them so for my own experiment I had no idea what the outcome would be.

I started my experiment by talking to participants, giving the images to them in a random order. They could re-order them into a sequence that would let them write down their response in a story. I gave the same participants a forth image then removed a forth image and added a textual image.

I noted down my own story initially so I could have an image and text already prepared to influence their story to copy mines. I wrote: I had lunch in the zoo café eating strawberries and melted chocolates. Before heading home I took pictures of the lions sitting in the shade. It hung my washing out to dry before getting dark.

The image I added was a magazine cut out of a happy couple and the text saying ‘lunch’.

Results:

Serena, 19 – Art Student
Three images:
I went to the zoo and seen the lions. Then I went home for lunch with strawberries and chocolate for dessert. It rained in the afternoon so I had to hang my clothes up on the washing line to dry.
Adding forth image:
On the way to the zoo there was a big cheesy advert about a happy couple. At the zoo there was a lion family. When it was lunch time I ordered a strawberry and chocolate desert. It dropped it on my top so I had to wash it then hang it on the washing line.
Adding text:
The lions in the enclosure escaped and ate a happy couple visiting the zoo for lunch whilst eating strawberries.

Ailsa, 19 – Art student
Three images:
The safari park keeper hung up her washing with wooden pegs before going out to feed the lion and the cubs with fresh fruit.
Adding forth image:
A husband lovingly prepared some fresh fruit, cream and chocolate as his wife hangs out the washing. Later, they go to the zoo to see the lions.
Adding text:
A husband lovingly prepared some fresh fruit, cream and chocolate for lunch as his wife hangs out the washing. Later, they go to the zoo to see the lions.


Claire, 19 – Art Student
Three images:
The keepers at the zoo decided to have a little game for the lions. They wanted to give the lions exercise and combined it with food. They hung up strawberries with pegs so the lions have to jump up and pounce to get their food.
Adding forth image:
A couple decided to hang the washing on the line to indulge in some fruit and strawberries at the zoo watching the lions.
Adding text:
A couple decided to hang the washing on the line to indulge in some fruit and strawberries for lunch at the zoo watching the lions.

Michaela, 19 – Art Student
Three images:
The family went on a nice day out to celebrate something. They washed and dried their Sunday best, had a nice lunch with strawberries, etc then went to the zoo.
Adding forth image:
A happy family had a nice lunch with strawberries, put on clean clothes and went to the zoo.
Adding text:
A happy family put on clean clothes and went to the zoo, stopped and had a picnic.

I found that although the images can be polysemy all my participants interacted with the images the same way I did. Although the images were obviously laid out in different order, they all formed a similar story. With my forth image, I found that I was able to create my target story. Adding the single text to the three original images I was able to consolidate the story I was aiming for. Refering back to the Barthes essay he explains stereotype. He used a pasta advert to have connotations of ‘Italian’ culture. Strawberries have a stereotype of being romantic. When I added the forth image of a family and the textual image saying ‘lunch’ they all said they ate strawberries together for lunch. This provides evidence that using stereotypical images can produce a desired outcome.

I feel I would have gained better results if I had added a single text to each images for example no one noticed the odd peg on the end of the line. Barthes essay was merely about adding language to images to focus their idea on a particular aspect. Unfortunately due to my participants being the same sex and all directly have a passion for art my experiment was biased. I would recreate my experiment using the same images but varying their occupation and how much they are related to art in their everyday lives.

Observation extended

After my previous blog regarding observation in Subway I have drawn conclusions as to why Subway has been designed the way it has following a discussion we had in a previous seminar. I thought to improve on any service design they need to invest in a bigger space so people can queue with more room in between them, but because the target market is those who want a quick lunch to take away, when queuing if they are closer together it will shorten the queue making it seem like they wont be waiting as long. This creates a quick turn over of customers.

The direction in which customers enter and leave the shop has already been set out for them. The queue barrier indicates that they queue from right following it round until the first order point. This is directly functional as no one can jump the queue as they will miss the first order point and cannot continue until this is done.

Due to the shop having very few tables this limits the amount of customers sitting in to eat their food. Customers feel uncomfortable when customers queue beside them and dodge in and out table to leave the shop. The design is to make the customers feel uncomfortable so the customers that wait outside for a table will then go in to get served. When they are sitting down the lighting is dingy so it’s unpleasant to sit under – another reason why customers leave quickly.

Having few tables in the shop also prevents it having a stereotype. You cannot judge class by a mixed queue of people. If there is some tables there is not enough people to start judging the place as a whole. At any one time there will be a variety of different ages and class. Due to it not being stereotypical for any one reason the public will not be judgmental making it a welcoming class for all ages, cultures and class.

Interviews

I have recently conducted interviews as part an assignment. We were asked to pick a question or choose a topic I have previously researched. I chose;

‘How have students dress sense changed since they started University?’

I brainstormed a possible ten questions but narrowed them down to six. I felt these questions would give me the best results with out asking the question out right. These six questions are:

• When did you start buying your own clothes?
• What do you look at when buying clothes?
• Do you shop for more practical clothes?
• Have you changed what you spend your money on since starting University?
• Do you feel your course has a specific dress sense?
• Why do you think people’s style changes after starting University?


The reason why I chose to put, ‘Why do you think people’s style changes after starting University?’ as my last questions is because I asked the relevant questions I needed to conduct my research at the start then I wanted to see the reactions and response I got by asking a direct question.

I interviewed four students, all female, two studying art, one studying accounts and one studying law. All aged from nineteen to twenty-one. By interviewing these people I was trying to see if students did changed their dress sense after starting University and why this is the case.

From my initial question I found links through out my answers producing similarities. Serena started to pick her own clothes when she was aged ten. This was when she was given pocket money to spend. Although she wasn’t purchasing items for herself until a later age, she chose her clothing from aged eight with the approval of her mum. When she started buying clothes of her own she never wanted anything that her mum didn’t approve of because she was influenced by her mum from such a young age, they had the same taste in clothes. Ailsa had a similar response. She was slightly older being twelve/thirteen and this was because she was at an age where she was old enough to go to the shops on the bus herself and be trusted. Her mum chose her clothes alone previously but they were always “nice”. Laura was eleven when she started to buy her own clothes and was also influenced by her mum. Sarah was slightly different. She got her first job at fourteen. This is how she was able to buy her own clothes. When she started to buy her own clothes she changed her style, but her mum didn’t like her clothes. The way she seen it was, it was her own money, so she spent it accordingly, buying clothes she preferred to wear.

When buying clothes the first thing all four said was the colour. I expected this because it’s the feature that predominately catches someone’s eye first. Ailsa said she buys the same colours that she knows she suits. This indicates she is not influenced by anyone else’s dress sense and not following any colour trends that are in fashion. The next was material and quality of the fabric. How will it wash? As a student the garment must be sustainable and durable to last a long time but the surprising thing was that only one of the three looked at price first. They were all willing to pay to a high price if the garment was sustainable from a shop that had a good reputation but if it was from a low end high street shop they wouldn’t consider it worth the money. The next thing would then be shape. It is shaped to fit the body of hang loose? Three of them never mentioned buying clothes that were either in fashion or of a particular style. One mentioned it’s what looks good on her, not what is in fashion, relating back to the shape and colour that suits each individual.

I would have presumed that since students will be dressed casual, everyday for classes and lectures the main bulk of their purchases would be practical day to day clothing. I was wrong. Serena has a shoe fetish for dressy shoes and alot of her tops are made from soft wool and pyjamas made out of silk. These need to be delicately hand washed and not practical for everyday washing. Ailsa said when she has money she can’t find anything practical so she buys clothes she doesn’t need. Laura buys more practical clothes. Sarah also buys dressy clothes for going out. She explained she only has a certain amount of money and doesn’t want to buy boring day-to-day clothes so she treats herself to a nice glam outfit, when she can afford it.

Buying clothes seems to be a high priority as a student. Evidence shows that although students have to budget, three students spend their money on the same essentials as they previously did but buy more clothes. The other spends her money on drink and nights out. After starting University you grow up and learn to manage money better so they can afford to splash out and buy more garments they want, but still cannot have everything they wish for. Ailsa saved up money during the summer holidays before starting University so she is able to spend money on herself. Sarah also spends money on herself but on different treats. Another point made was, after one of the girls moved to Dundee - now living in a city - she had a lot more shops to choose from and lives so close it is easier to spend money.

I presumed the reason students change their style after starting University is to fit in with others and blend in with the people in their new course. I got mixed results for this question because the people I interviewed are students from different disciplines. Three say no there is no trend in the clothes they wear and one says yes. Serena thinks her course has similar tastes as they follow fashion but mainly because they all take pride in their appearance, choosing carefully what they put on in the morning. Laura says its extreme opposites. An example she gave was a man wore a suit one day and a woman had tracksuit bottoms on. Ailsa says there is no pattern to what anyone wears and Sarah said yes of course there is. It’s an art course! They all wear the same style mainly because they study trend forecasting so they feel they need to fit in with fashion but also fit in with the others in the class and keep up with each other.

I assumed asking the question, ‘Why do you think people’s style changes after starting University?’ wouldn’t give me great results and I wouldn’t get an honest answer but I got feed back that in my opinion is very true. People start University when they are at least 18. By this time people have grown up, matured and can make decision by themselves. ”. People learn to create their own unique style, to make themselves feel good and confident. Styles change because they are bored wearing the same outfits rather then influences around them. They are no longer influenced by parents as they are buying their own clothes and maybe moved away from home, gaining independence. They no longer copying people’s dress sense like they did at high school to follow the “popular trends”.
Have students dress sense changed since they started University? No they haven’t changed their styles intentionally it is only because they have matured. Through the experiment I have learned that if girls at a young age are given the choice of what they want to wear by the help and guidance of their mother, they will not rebel when they are old enough to shop for themselves and change their styles completely, unless they intentionally want to fit into a group with a particular dress sense.

Observing the public

The assignment we have been given was to observe peoples behaviour in public spaces. I chose to go into Subway for lunch as this is a popular place so I could compare different cultures and age groups in on environment. I done this with another student in my class so we were able to bounce ideas off each other to pick up on observations that we may not have noticed on our own.

I was there for about an hour making observations and due to the busyness of the fast food restaurant I picked up on a few aspects quickly, focusing on people’s body language, dress sense and mannerisms. The shop is constantly busy with people coming and going, especially at lunch time. There are a few tables to sit in but it’s generally a place to take away.

I started my experiment by focusing on the long winding queue, as this was at lunch time. I noticed that whilst people wait for food they stand with their arms crossed or focusing on the workers, implying they are bored. This would make the workers feel uncomfortable, like they’re always being watched, putting pressure on them to work faster and more efficient so the queue would go down quicker.

I started to focus on the workers in general. They work in a row each having a specific job so the customer can move further towards the till. Looking at the workers faces, they are all very glum and don’t seem enjoy their job. They are kept busy at all times but it’s very repetitive. In doing this job, it doesn’t contain any prospects so someone may work there for quick cash.

The first group of people I noticed were school children, roughly fifteen sixteen. They were dressed very smartly in full school uniform: dress shoes and blazer. As they walked they kept their back straight and separated themselves from the public, staying huddled in a group. Their posture made me think that the way they stood, if was as if they were looking down at others. Their dress code implied that they may have been at a private school and distanced themselves because they thought they were better than others. After getting their food they left and stood outside eating as there were no seats.

Two women in there sixties were sitting down facing each other, in deep conversation. They seemed quite posh as they were using napkins, holding it up to their faces in case of any mess, instead of waiting till they had finished. They were obviously out for lunch together and although they were older and well mannered they still chose a cheap place to eat.

A business man in his late twenties, early thirties was sitting down wearing a suit and long duffel coat. Although by his clothes he seemed to be in a high paid job he sat uncomfortably, looking at his food and table as he eat. This gave me the impression he wanted to finish as soon as possible and leave. This assumption was not because he felt he was too good for Subway but he felt nervous by his body language. Another man slightly older was by himself and evidently seemed relaxed, enjoying his lunch. He had brought a paper to read which kept him occupied. I came to the conclusion the older you get the more at ease you are eating by yourself. I tried to test this theory out on a man sitting next to the queue, alone at a table. My theory was wrong because although he might be used to eating alone the public were standing next to him, watching him eat, making him uncomfortable.
A group of American were sitting directly infront, so we could hear parts of conversations. They were middle aged and had a strong accent. They were obviously tourists having rucksacks under the table. They were enjoying their food, taking their time and not rushing to move. Due to them being American I assume there is a Subway over there and they are sticking to what they are comfortable with and not trying any other type of food. For example they never went to a local pub for a bar lunch. People like to stick to environments they are used to so if they went into a pub it would be a different culture of people, maybe local men having a casual drink.

Subway has a wide variety of customers with a variety in age groups. Due to most customers getting food then leaving there doesn’t seem to be any trend in customer’s culture. It’s a place to get a quick lunch so it doesn’t have a stereotype. Customer’s don’t have to dress in a certain way to fit in but they are all generally casually dressed even if they have popped out from their work at lunch. I think this is why Subway is so popular because it fits the needs of everyone who is in the shopping center, unless they dislike the type of food and is cheap priced. A few people never came in because families look for seats for their children before they come in where as single people wait in the queue before they look for a place to sit down as it’s not priority.

To improve on any service design I thought they need to invest in a bigger space so people can queue with more room in between them. This will give the impression they are not queuing for as long as they will constantly be moving. During their time waiting if there were pictures to catch their attention for a while. Not of food as food can be displayed on the over head boards that the menu appears on.

We took a picture whilst sitting. It shows the man reading his paper to the left. The table that the business man was previously sitting at and the older ladies using their napkins.

Assignment 1

Our assignment for this week was to swap photos with another student who I didn’t know very well. Due to the textile class being quite big I swapped with Connie as I didn’t know much about her. We decided together to take photos of the house we live in, so we were both doing the task.

At first I didn’t have a clue what to take notes on because it was like making an assumption and judgement on someone else’s property and telling them what I decided on. After sitting confused for a while, I decided to write down the first thing that I thought of when looking at the objects in the photos. This helped me to jot down some words on paper and it was easier from then. We took several pictures of different rooms in the house. This gave me an understanding of Connie’s personality and how her families taste in decoration has reflected the décor and layout in her own room.

I was given two photos from the kitchen. I thought the family as a whole was very family orientated with the island in the middle of the room as an eating place and a place to gather. The utensils left out on the drying rack made me assume there is always dishes going into the sink, being washed, then re-used. I think they are a busy working family and always on the move. The cleaning equipment is also in easy reach, providing evidence that no time is wasted going into cupboards. On the window ledge there is a range of ornaments including the seven dwarfs. I think her Mum likes Disney and this shows a cuddly playful side to her childhood and is now reflected in her home.

The living room is very organised with nothing out of place. The remotes controls are on display in a rack by themselves in front of the large television. I think the television is used a lot and the space is used for relaxing. As well as the kitchen there is wide collection of ornaments in a glass unit on show continuing her love for delicate objects. The patio doors let alot of light into the room and gives a view of the garden. They may enjoy gardening as there are bright coloured flowers on the table bringing in a sense of freshness from outdoors.

I recognised her mum and dad’s bedroom because the bed covers are a sophisticated white which suits both genders. There is lucky charm hanging from the headboard showing their believes. More flowers are around the house bringing in more colour and freshness. I spotted a manikin that moves, making me wonder if art runs in the family. A lot of objects are stacked up on a unit. This again may be for quickness or the bedroom isn’t kept as tidy because it’s not in view as often.

Connie’s room is colourful with purple bedding and cushions showing she likes colour and interesting materials as these are different textures. This emphasises on her being a bright, cheery person. She has a hula-hoop and gym exercise ball at the side of her bed. She seems to be health conscious also enjoying a game of tennis somewhere with the racket on display. There is storage boxes under her bed to keep things neat but also maybe doesn’t like to get rid of anything so it gets kept out of the way. She has a picture of her boyfriend on her bedside cabinet to remember the good memories and a collection of cuddly teddies beside the photo frame. I think this is a reflection of her mum’s personality.

Her walk in wardrobe immediately indicates her passion for clothes and accessories. It is well organised with a section for jackets and a whole moveable rack for dresses/long tops. This seems to be an added part to the wardrobe because there is not enough room for it all. It is clear she likes fashion and the obvious reason why she is studying Textiles.

When I met with Connie to discuss the predictions we made, I surprisingly found it very comfortable and easy to tell her my views from the photographs. I think I felt like this because there were only a few mistakes I made. I thought her Dad maybe worked away from home but her mum and dad work full time in their restaurant and the suitcase was due to the two of them going on holiday. I was quite surprised that in the photo of the bedroom I never noticed the golf clubs sitting because my dad and brother play golf, it wasn’t until Connie pointed it out that I pick up on it.

I assumed that the manikin on the beside table was due to the family also being interested in Art but the reason for this was, her Dad was interested in Chinese muscle relief and he needs to know the different parts of the body and how they work. I found this interesting because I would never have thought of this type of use for it.

Everything about Connie’s room was nearly accurate apart from the storage under her bed was to keep her art stuff tidy.

The reason why I found it so easy to talk about her house, and correct Connie if she was wrong, was because we seemed to have a lot in common. All of her assumptions were correct apart from me being tidy in the house. My mum cleans at the back of me.

Our houses are both kept tidy and there wasn’t anything that I spotted, I felt uncomfortable commenting on. I never felt like I was intruding by looking through her pictures because they were roughly the same images I gave to her.

Assignment 4

I am looking into my research from two different angles. I am doing this because I cannot find enough research on shoe stability alone. Firstly I am reviewing the journal “Step by Step” which looks into the aspects of different types of insoles that can make one shoe be more comfortable and a better fit. The other text I am looking at is a booked called, “The facts about alcohol, aggression and adolescence”. The reason I am combining these resources is because I want to find out if the aggressiveness whilst drinking plays a part in shoes being uncomfortable, or if it is the aesthetics of the shoe itself which results in a woman removing them whilst drunk.

I am interested in this subject area because in my home town, Kirkcaldy, girls/ woman when drunk remove their shoes, and walk on broken glass and dirt whilst carrying their shoes. They tend to use their shoes as objects because the drink takes over and makes them aggressive.

The article by Langer emphasises how different types of insoles can be more or less effective in different ways for every different person. Although this article is based on insoles for sports shoes, I can use this information as the basics for my research and reproduce the same idea for woman’s dress shoes.
I assume the author is a Podiatrist by the supporting comments, “Almost all of my patients” and “It is not unusual to have a runner come into my clinic…” Langer is explaining through out the whole text that no matter what shape of feet you have, each individual needs a different supporting insole. The author is not looking at how the insoles look or the materials used but is interested in how well the product works in preventing any injuries to the foot. Langer’s intention is tell the trust about all types of insoles, “anyone involved in footwear sales must always keep in mind that cushioning comes at a cost”. The buyer of the insole needs to take into consideration what activities they will be doing when wearing the shoe padding. Evidence from article shows that “our bodies absorb impact more efficiently when we have good alignment, and too much cushioning can negatively affect body alignment”. This comment to me suggests that if the alignment of the foot is not correctly positioned it will effect the comfort of the shoe. This gives the argument that if a person is drunk and their balance is not good, then the shoe will become uncomfortable. There for, no matter if the shoe has the correct amount of cushioning, if the balance of the body is positioned weird, the type of insole may not make any difference.

In my next text by Coggans and McKellar they explore the concept of aggression occurring whilst drinking. This is a complete turn from the previous text but it looks at the links between alcohol consumption and aggression and the idea of drinking changing a persons attitude and the way they react in situations. “It is widely believed that alcohol causes aggression in the sense that people are more likely to become aggressive or even violent if they drink alcohol” (Coggans and McKellar, 1995) From this statement, in my opinion I personally think that the two are related because there is far less arguments during the day as what there is after the consumption of alcohol. Evidence from the book proves that although many would think this is the case, it depends on “individual factors such as personality, characteristics, situational factors including perceptions of the environment.” If aggression whilst drinking depends on certain aspects it may be the case that woman genuinely take their shoes off because they are hurting them rather than to be awkward and want to cause harm.

Coggans and McKellar explore the concepts coming to a conclusion that they are related although“at an intuitive level most people would agree that alcohol affects people differently.” I agree with this statement because referring to an earlier statement a persons personality depends on their nature when drinking.

Combining both texts they both play an important part in my research. Langer has proved that depending on the support given by the insoles may vary the need to remove footwear. But from the evidence from Hoggans and McKellar drink will only have an effect on a person if they have a tendency to be aggressive when drunk because it depends on their personality.

Coggans, N and McKellar, S (1995) The facts about Alcohol, aggression and adolescence, Kent, MacKays of Chatham PLC.

Langer, P (June 2007) Step by Step, unknown.

To further my research I intend to look into the effects of balance and co-ordination whilst being intoxicated by drink. This can then lead onto my research of how I can apply my design idea and they way I can design the removable heel. Depending on the results from balance and co-ordination research it might alter how the shoe needs to be connected.

Assignment 3

( I have edited this post)

Our task for this week has been to use http://cross-search.dundee.ac.uk to research the topic I had chosen in my last task. I found this website difficult and very frustrating to begin with but quickly got the hang of how to use it.

I had to find 6/7 resources from journals, film book, audio visual, magazines and websites. I had to vary my research but could only find journals on my topic, using the cross search. To vary my research I went into the library and collated information from a few books.

The sources I have chosen are as follows:

Beazley, M (2004) Stiletto, London, Octopus Group Ltd.

Strengths: Highlights the bad structured within Stiletto shoes. This book gives an opportunity to put woman off wearing stilettos.

Weaknesses: It talks about history of the shoe and when they were used. The idea of my shoe hasn't been used in the past so I need to look at research that looks into changing the design for the future, as shoe designs havn't been practical for my subject area.

Caruana, S and O'hagan, M (1976) Social aspects of alcohol and alcoholism, London, B Edsall & co Ltd.

Strengths: The book focuses on the impact of drinking in general looking at how social workers are trying to help and the effects of the family.

Weaknesses: I am look at the effects of alcohol not alcoholism as a direct issue, so the effects in the home and families won't be any help for my research.

Coggans, N and McKellar, S (1995) The facts about Alcohol, aggression and adolescence, Kent, MacKays of Chatham PLC.

Strengths: This bok looks at the problems that exist with the intake of alcohol. It addresses some of the reasons why adults acts the way they do through drink and get into trouble.

Weaknesses: It was published in 1995 so it shows the issues have still not been fully addressed and research must been taken further.

Eyl, A (November 2007) A qualitative study on the comfort and fit of ladies’ dress shoes, unknown.

Strengths: It is the fit of a shoe that makes it more/less comfortable rather than the aesthetics.

Weaknesses: There was no one that had any foot or lower limb injuries in the experiment and it doesn’t say if their feet sizes were all the same or varied. Any of these factors may change the opinion of a comfortable shoe.

Langer, P (June 2007) Step by Step, unknown.

Strengths: It lets you know the different types of insoles to make shoes more comfy and what types of feet are suitable to each shape of foot.

Weaknesses: The insoles are only for sport shoes and may not fit or be shapes for any other type of shoe.

Maunch, M (April 2008) Do the feet of German and Australian children differ in structure? Implications for children’s shoe design, Taylor Francis Ltd.

Strengths: It indicates that children from Germany have longer and flatter feet where as, Australian children have squarer feet. This mean that children from different continents have different foot types so shoes couldn’t be a standard width and shape, sold worldwide.

Weaknesses: It only indicates that children’s feet are different from another continent. It doesn’t say if the same applied to adults. Their feet may change as they get older and then be the same in different continents.

Menant, J (2008) Effects of Shoe Characteristics on Dynamic Stability When Walking on Even and Uneven Surfaces in Young and Older People, unknown, Elsevier Inc.

Strengths: The best for aesthetics for balance is one with/without tread, a medium hardness for the entire sole, with a low collar.

Weaknesses: With the consumption of alcohol which I am looking into, the balance control will need to be considered when designing the possible shoe.

Unorthodox Styles (2005) Sneakers the Complete Collectors Guide, United Kingdom, Thomas & Hudson Ltd.

Strengths: Showing how Sneakers have become more popular now that they are used as a fashion statement rather than only a sports shoe.

Weaknesses: They are chunky styles that have been shown, not delicate enough to have removable heels attached, but the same concept may apply to my design idea.

The second part of the assignment was to surf the web and list the top 5 websites relating to my area of design that I would find most useful. I also had to find another top 5 websites I would use for either my area of design again or for general useful information that I can gain research information from, for my design studies and studio project work.

The 10 websites I have chosen for textiles are:

www.vogue.co.uk
www.elleuk.com
www.fashiontrendsetter.com
www.designcouncil.co.uk
www.wired.com
www.thetextileartist.com
www.62group.org.uk
www.desginweek.co.uk/news
www.bbc.co.uk
news.cnet.com

I havn't split them into two clear groups because some of the websites overlap and can be used for general information and also be useful for studio work. I often browse design realated websites just for general knowledge, in turn I could say it was a general knowledge website rather than for design. I just found it easier and less complicated to list them all together.

Discussion and poster

(I have updated this post)
The seond part of the task was to take a problem from the brainstorm and try to resolve it into a possible design solution.

We firstly took the general idea of crime and how it is broadcast to the community through posters and service design. I feel this is a direct way to try and tackle the ongoing issue as the community will see the government is trying to address the situation and find ways of reducing it but at the same time this is advertising crime, letting people know how crime can be done e.g. graffiti, vandalising cars etc. I think it is also letting the committers know they are winning and people are responding to their actions. It is a sort of trophy for them.

Way in which this can be reduced is by bringing the communities closer together, to work in co-operation with one another. We thought about Neighbourhood watch, how this can give the elderly support when they feel scared to go out at night. As a group they will then take pride in their surroundings, reducing small crimes which may seem insignificant but can all add up like the Broken Window theory and work together to combat crime. Ways in which neighbours could communicate and gather is through Christmas cards to give a sense of belonging and social gatherings like street parties. A design reason could be thought of to give them a reason to talk like a tipping point.

We thought about the idea of I.D cards but these can easily be lost or stolen and in the world we live in at the moment, is doubtful that it would be handed into the police or it may be copied and used as someone else’s form of I.D. Technology is always moving forward now using biometrics in certain areas like airports as these pieces of information cannot be copied and it keeps your mind at rest. This is a very expensive but it could be used to gain access to a family home instead of a key or to get into school to stop intruders walking in with out permission.

The next idea was all related to global warming. The first thing is to focus on the attitudes of the community towards global warming am how a design solution can change people’s opinions on it. We first thought into the idea of car sharing and how it would help people directly because they would save a lot of money. I think public transport is a good was of decreasing pollution but people don’t like waiting about when they are in a rush and public transport is well known to be late. Maybe a device can be used to send a text message to, for example, people who are getting a particular train so they can use a different method of public transport.

Another way to improve on global warming is the advert of one light switch. If one light switch was turned off when not in use and times this by the amount of houses in the whole, think how much energy would be saved. A design idea we then thought about was an energy meter being displayed in the main living area. We thought the energy meter could be disguised by a wall paper covering or it was a standard piece of equipment to have in every home there would be no social clash between rich and poor.

Also using photo chromatic wall paper that changes with room temperature. If it falls below a certain temperature, the heating will automatically come on and vice versa, if it gets over a certain temperature. There would still be the on/off switch for when no one is in the property.

Then we spoke about recycling packing and how to try get people to separate there waste into different sections. One possible solution was to have separate compartments in the waste bin. Some compartments may get filled up quicker than others so the idea was to have a vacuum in the compartments to squeeze it together.

Instead of having lots of plastic bags from the supermarkets, I know shops are now promoting re-usable bags. I think it should be that if customers don’t have a re-usable bag they cannot get their shopping because the thin plastic bags have been discontinued.

If people don’t like using a branded bag for example using an Asda bag in Sainsburys wouldn’t be very cool, a bag should be created that isn’t branded or can be created by the customer themselves.

I have chosen a different area from these topics but still been driven from crime. I am looking a girls/womans behaviour when drunk combined with the idea of a comfortable shoe so they have more control of their balance. I have designed a poster with my idea that may, or may not be used in the future.

Brainstorming

As part of my design studies, I have been given the task of brainstorming as a group, the Tipping Point that I have recently read. We have to address the various social and environmental issues raised through out the book and come up with a design solution, to solve one of these.
I think brainstorming is a very quick and easy way to get loads of ideas down. I felt the group worked well as a team during this so all of our ideas were taken into consideration.
These are the pictures taken during the couple of hours we spend doing this.