Author Archives: Amanda Geffner

Victor Papanek is known as an activist, writer, and designer who made history. He was one of the first to discover issues of sustainable and social design in the 1960’s. Social design is design that seeks to solve humanitarian issues such as improving living conditions for its beneficiaries. He used to also design radios andContinue reading “Extra Credit: Victor Papanek and Ergonomics”

Henry Dreyfuss is known as one of the best American Industrial Designers and an important theorist in the field of ergonomics. He got his start at age 17 by designing sets for Broadway shows. Then in 1927, he was commissioned by a store to study merchandise. While he was studying, he would make drawings byContinue reading “Extra Credit: Henry Dreyfuss and Ergonomics”

Design: an aesthetic solution to a practical problem…  20th century design: -sketching -research -abstract -strategy  -prototypes and artifacts (across many media)  Ethnography: a study of groups 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions (Investopedia). AI also helps humans with problem solving and learning. AI is now used in many applications. Stanford University showed that there is an application where AI is being used or described asContinue reading “AI Designs for Humans”

Nicole Barth graduated Hofstra University in 2005 as a fine-arts graduate. Before she graduated, she originally wanted to pursue a career for in design for print books and magazines, but then that changed as she explored the world of digital publications. She was inspired to start a career in art because of Professor Thomas KlinkowsteinContinue reading “Nicole Barth”

In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) set out a clear prohibition of discrimination based on disability. When buildings became a challenge to access, they shut people out of public places. Therefore, the built environment can be a form of discrimination.  If a place is accessible, usable, and convenient, people with disabilities benefit. WhatContinue reading “About Universal Design”

What exactly is ergonomics? Ergonomics is defined as the “scientific study of human work.” When we speak of ergonomics we can break it down to three primary studies; physical, cognitive and organizational. It explores the necessary elements needed to ensure that one is void of any hazardous issues that would make it difficult to workContinue reading “About Ergonomics”