makesense
product
information + shape + use = makesense
makesense?
information label brand identity directions shape packaging convenience form
use function purpose understanding
product needs
?
how are design elements used?
what is a shape without its label? can you still identify the shapes, their use or their brand?
some shapes look similar when in silhouette form.
some products have maintained the same shape for several years.
other products have changed not only their labelling system, but also their shapes.
information
most milk jugs come in the same shape because the function is to store the milk in an easy pouring container
therefore the brand is what separates the different milk companies. in this case information is suits the product more than its individual shape. this is an example of identity being the most important design choice for the product.
milk jug
shape
the shape of the fire extinguisher is designed for a function. because the fire extinguisher has a safety purpose its shape remains quite similar. the function of this product is to easily extinguish a fire while maintaining the safety specs of the air compressed container. ultimately the design of this product is centered around its shape.
fire extinguisher
this safety product has multiple purposes and pressure requirements due to its shape and contents.
therefore the information on the fire extinguisher is centered around safety instructions.
due to spacial reasons of the required shape this information takes hierarchy over the branding of the company.
fire extinguisher
use
the new target clearRx pill bottle is designed for its use and how intuitive that use is.
the shape and information of the clearRx packaging system came about from a need for better communication to prescription drug users. the bottle stands upright with a widened form to allow the viewer to quickly understand its important content information.
target pill bottle
the old container requires you turn the bottle sideways to read. one can easily get the contents confused as all the bottles look the same. the clearRx bottle also has a patient info card that tucks in a slot on the back of the container.
the target bottle has a color coded system to prevent any confusion allowing families to each have their own color.
target pill bottle
the clearRx comes with a magnifier that fits in the back slot along with the patient info.
the target bottle has a color coded system to prevent any confusion allowing families to each have their own color. this is an example of the design decisions being made for the products use. all the design elements come together in harmony making the new pill bottle a superior product.
Whether its safety, home or health products we encounter these on a daily basis. does the design around you make sense?
design thinking becomes the consideration of all elements surrounding the product being designed. The objects function, aesthetic value, form, identity and all other aspects that encompass the experience enable the design to make sense.
makesense