I came across this great article on the AIGA national website today. I could not agree more with the sentiments of this article. Signs are not the solution to every problem…and this is coming from someone who designs signs for a living 
We got new hand dryers in the restrooms at work this week. I think they are excellent. These were all over Hong Kong and Tokyo when I was there 2 years ago, but they weren’t dyson brand. I’m a big fan of how efficient they are and that we will use less paper towels. However, what do I do if I spilled something on my shirt, washed it out, and need to dry it off? That’s when the “old school” hand dryers will be missed…
This site is amazing. I love the transitions between each of the areas on the site. So much thought and attention to detail. I could click on this site for hours and just watch all of the pages unfold again and again…it’s also helps that the content of the site interests me as well. Take a look at the talented artists and beautiful site.
My more critical assessments about the design I see around me all seem to reside inside of my head at the moment. I need to get them out on paper, or at least on to this site for discussion. But for now, all I can do is highlight good design when I see it.
In the January/February 2008 issue of Communication Arts the work of Turner Duckworth is highlighted on pages 54-63.
In the article David Turner states, “There’s more to design than making something attractive. An idea is something that makes your mind work.”
Bruce Duckworth believes, “If you can strip everything unnecessary away, you are sure to communicate the most important thing.”
“We’re looking for the strongest expression of an idea.”
Their designs for Waitrose really appeal to the designer in me - and the consumer. I would love to walk in to a store where everything was designed and presented in such a way that I could clearly understand the product - without having to get past a brand name.
I’ve always enjoyed drawing type. Back when I was in high school and my sister was in college I remember when she brought home a Letraset catalog. I flipped through that catalog in amazement at how many typefaces there were. I used to xerox pages and blow them up so I could see each letter larger and then proceed to draw my own words and phrases in “fun” typefaces like - Party! Let’s just say, my taste has improved since then.
The internet is an amazing place where each and every day you can find something new, exciting and inspiring. In my flickr-browsing I came across the type junkie. And while getting lost in her photos and endless creative blogs and websites I landed on this youTube video.
The name Paula Scher, for me, will always be synonymous with inspiring handwritten typography, and good design.
I love typography. This book is so clever. I cannot wait to get my very own copy. ABC3D by Marion Bataille.
If you have landed here via define23.com, welcome. I hope you are enjoying my personal website. This personal blog is still in the works. I have lots of ideas, but the online publishing part is making me consider my words very carefully. All that’s here for now are a few “about” pages. Come back soon for more exciting content.
Until then, I will leave you with the highly entertaining Virgin America flight safety information video. I recorded this on my flight back to Los Angeles from Dulles Airport - there’s a tiny interruption in filming for a goofy appearance by my husband and I. The departure from the usual made me pay attention to this flight information that I have heard countless times. The illustration route was a brilliant design decision, if I do say so myself. Keep your seatbelt securely fastened - it’s time for the design police blog to take-off!
Virgin America Flight Instruction Video from Rebecca W on Vimeo.
