Daily Archives: November 8, 2007

Design Tastes Good

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Filed under Just for Fun, design

Waffle MakerI love eating waffles. They are by far my favorite breakfast food. After going through several waffle makers, we took the plunge a few years back and purchased this little model and could not be happier. It’s a Villaware we picked-up at Williams-Sonoma and we’ve been in breakfast heaven since. Constructed of heavy medal parts, non-stick surface and a built-in alarm to alert you when those tasty, golden brown creations are ready; it’s a dream to use. This appliance is well-built in every way.

Whether in architecture or web design, there’s a long-standing debate over form vs. function. Is it really one or the other? The collective whole becomes the measuring stick. Take this waffle iron for instance. Surely the sleek style and chrome finish make it an attractive purchase. But the heavy construction adds a sense of confidence that this puppy will serve us well for a good long while.

This reality affects your and my life on a daily basis. Do you shop Wal-Mart or Target more often and why? Wal-Mart has traditionally been the cheapest but, which is more stylish? Which store would you rather walk into? Does style affect your purchasing decisions? If you knew you could spend far less and get the same product at Wal-Mart would you?

Marketing is everywhere because it is so effective. In reality, we do judge a book by it’s cover. In fact, we purchase items quite often due to their packaging. We are just wired that way.

 I love design. It just tastes good. When I get in my 1995 Toyota Camry with over 180,000 miles on it and cruise to work like it just rolled off the lot, I enjoy the design of the fine machine. It’s as smooth a ride as ever.

Like a well-prepared meal that is a feast to the eyes and nourishment to the body, design tastes good. It’s hard to describe but you know it when you see it.

What comes to your mind when you think of a deliciously designed product or possession?