December 2013

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 31 dec 2013

'Design Thinking' is becoming a critical component of innovation strategies implemented by companies. According to Professor John Caruso of Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD), design thinking is all about process and openness to exploring innovative ideas, and through creative problem-solving process that seeks to make lateral connections between seemingly disparate ideas, provide customer centric products and services. The interview with John Caruso provides his views on design thinking concept, the process, the problems that can be solved, the risks involved, the cost factor and its overall impact on companies. He mentions that every company can utilize the basic principles of design thinking, customize them based on their specific needs and apply them as part of their problem solving strategies. According to him the fundamental aspects of design thinking are - problem identification; evaluation of user's needs; establishment of product criteria; exploration & development of ideas & concepts; evaluation of these concepts; implementation through drawings, plans, physical models & user testing; and a further evaluation step before getting realization in the product market. Read on...

BizTimes: Design Thinking can change your company
Author: Erica Breunlin

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 31 dec 2013

'Emotional Design' concept was introduced by Donald Norman and it proposes that people find aesthetically appealing product much more functional and useful because it connects with the person on an emotional level. He mentions three levels of emotional and visual design - Visceral (instant and instinctive first impressions after interaction with product); Behavioral (user experience based on functionality, simplicity, intuitiveness and usability); Reflective (leads to overall impression of the product and involves reasoning, logical thinking and analysis). The article utilizes these principles to suggest a designing process for apps. It mentions ways for incorporating positive emotions in the app design - surprise users with something unexpected and new; use humour; make it attractive and good looking; make people feel special by offering something extra to exclusive groups; consider users needs and incorporate helpful tips and guides. Some more suggestions for app designers - imitate human emotions, use music and be playful and edgy. Read on...

CMS Wire: How To Use Emotional Designs In Your App To Engage Users
Author: Jessica Davis

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 07 dec 2013

The world of fashion is evolving with advancement in materials technology and functionality in clothing and garment design. The latest trends in Japanese fashion industry include - Inspired by the emergency blankets used in disaster sites and space outfits, foil like material is used to design sporty urban suits that are light and retain heat, for windy and extreme cold weather conditions; Odor free undergarments and dresses made from highly porous ceramic particles woven into the material absorb and trap bad odor and then metal ions break down the odor causing elements. Another deodorizing nanotechnology based fabric material is permeated with solvent that neutralizes bad odor ammonia; Use of tiny magnets in undergarments to help women suffering from stiff shoulder and back pain. Read on...