CMNS 354 Project 1B D101

Group 5

Ying LamJenny Hu

Mandy Jin

QUESTION 5

Explain and illustrate and/or demonstrate how the following terms and concepts apply to design: “Ockham’s

Razor,” “form follows function,” and “signal to noise ratio.”

OCKHAM’S RAZOR …

OCKHAM’S RAZOR Simple designs are preferred

Unnecessary elements decrease a design’s efficiency, and increase the probability of unanticipated consequences.

These unnecessary elements have the potential to fail or create problems.

OCKHAM’S RAZOR (CONTINUED…)How would one know whether a design follows

the principles of Ockham’s Razor?

Keep in mind the following: to “select the display with the FEWEST visual

elements.” (p.172)

CHOOSE THE DESIGN THAT FOLLOWS THE PRINCIPLES OF OCKHAM'S RAZOR

FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION .

FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION Concept origin: Jesuit monk Carlo Lodoli (18th

C.)

Influenced designers - Horatio Greenough & Louis Sullivan (p. 107)

FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION (CONT’D…)

“Beauty results from purity of function…” – p. 106

Based on belief that “form follows function in nature”argued to be false should be the other way around

Artistic considerations in design should be secondary to functional ones

Based on descriptive interpretation

Descriptive Prescriptive

SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO .

SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO Information = Signal

Degradation

Extraneous Information = Noise Diluting Clarity

SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO

ResearchDecisionTestingEmphasizing

Necessary Unnecessary-Minimize -Realize

-Avoid/ Eliminate

GOOD DESIGN!

Maximizing Minimizing

DISCUSSION QUESTION Aside from the examples of ‘form follows

functions’ we have shown, what are more examples of this in our daily life?

During the communication design process, can you think of any ways to avoid or reduce noise?

Ockham’s razor is known for keeping designs simple, with that in mind, why do designers still like to complex their designs?

CREDITSYing Lam - Responsible for Ockham’s Razor

- Powerpoint Proof-Read and Tweaking- Script & Bibliography

 Jenny Hu - Responsible for Form follows Function

- Powerpoint Layout Design - Powerpoint General Starter Summary of Terms

 Mandy Jin - Responsible for Signal-to-Noise Ratio

- Powerpoint Signal-to-Noise Ratio Summary  Amish Round Tables. Brookline Dining Room Table. (n.d.) Retrieved on June 1, 2011 from http://www.amishroundtables.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_18&products_id=1820Confusing restroom signs. Improved Exterior & Interior Design Check Out The New Grand Cherokee. (n.d.) Retrieved on June 2ed, 2011 from http://www.tensionnot.com/pictures/Toilet/Confusing-Restroom-SignsGoogle. Google Homepage Screenshot. Retrieved on June 1, 2011 from http://www.google.ca Hans. Tables by Chul an Kwak. May 6. 2009. Retrieved on June 1, 2011 from http://cubeme.com/blog/2009/05/06/tables-by-chul-an-kwak/Lidwell, William et al. (2010). Universal Principles of Design. Beverley, Massachusetts: Rockport Publishers Inc. PoshGirl Couture. Pink Barbie Beetle. (n.d.) Retrieved on June 1, 2011 from http://poshgrlcouture.blogspot.com/2011/03/step-aside-barbie.htmlRyan, C.D. Form follows function. June 1. 2008. Retrieved on June 1, 2011 from http://www.cdryan.com/postings/06.08/06.08.htmWashroom signs. Titanium Steel Letters Inc. Retrieved on June 2ed, 2011 from http://tisteelletters.com/?page_id=24Yahoo. Yahoo Homepage Screenshot. Retrieved on June 1, 2011 from http://www.yahoo.ca