Blog #4

What does the word “tacit” mean as it is used in the essay Meaning? Define and find an example of this meaning for support.
“Tacit” literally means “understood without being openly expressed.” In the essay Meaning, it refers to the recognition of how we perceive meaning. For example, we simply assume that the meaning of a tissue is to blow your nose, and we don’t give much thought to it.

Summarize the difference between “new” and “old” meaning as stated in the essay Meaning then find an example of each in design. Formally break them down using both “new” and “old” approaches. Attach scans of the images to your discussion or provide links for support.
In Meaning, the difference between “new” and “old” meaning is the order of experience. “Old” meaning is where the form of the object creates the experience – for example, we read books because they’re meant to be read. They were not designed with the idea of “reading” as the form of a book came first, and the experience of reading came second. However, the “new” meaning would take the idea of reading and appropriate a form to enhance that experience – perhaps Amazon’s Kindle (http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Amazons-Wireless-Reading-Device/dp/B000FI73MA) is an example of “new” meaning. It took the basic experience of reading and redesigned the book to match today’s modern and digital world.

Summarize the different “meaning-in-situ” approaches to integrating meaning with design as discussed in the essay Meaning. Find contemporary examples of how designers are explicitly considering and designing to the situations using EACH of the four main approaches discussed.
Sleepwalking – things that are designed without any consideration for the outcome/situation. For example, the cardboard bust. (http://www.cardboardsafari.com/shop/results.php?action=showproducts&category=All%20Products&locatekey=84e1f1bf99b991aea700a6919a4a7b2a). It was designed to emulate the real bust, but is cardboard... there really isn't any purpose (okay, besides perhaps being “green”) to designing or having one (though I really, really want one).
Complementing – designed with careful consideration of the outcome and situation it creates, and where form and function coincide. For example, logo creation and design (http://www.smashingapps.com/2008/11/13/33-exceptional-logo-rebranding-in-2008-for-your-inspiration.html). The designer must carefully consider the color pallet, the shape, and the overall connotation of a logo because it effectively creates a brand.
Expanding – designs which assume there is more than the immediately obvious situation(s) and attempt to create new ones, while keeping close to the comfort of the complementing approach. For example, Ikea's furniture (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/) is innovative because it is versatile and multi functional and also involves the user, as the user must build it.
Opposition – opposite to the complementing approach in that the designer purposefully designs against the expected. For example, this leather paper bag: http://www.goodforall.eu/winkel/product_info.php?cPath=113&products_id=634&osCsid=


What are the relationships and correlations between dance and play and design as discussed in the essay Dance & Play in Visual Design? Find current examples to exemplify these relationships.
Dance, play, and design all have three things in common – time, movement, and rough outline. All of these things have some sort of rough structure, despite having changed over time as well as being continuously altered. The beauty of designing in relation to dance and play is the freedom one has while staying within the constraints of time and movement.

What is a “metaphoric running line” and what is its importance to motion design and narrative? Find an example in contemporary design and describe the kinds of devices used within it to propel the “metaphoric running line”.
The “metaphoric running line” is what “encourages the turning of the page.” This can include a progression of proportion, of color, or of overall intensity. An example of this would be... okay, I couldn't find one.