Design Lessons from Nature

Sometimes as a type away on the mechanical tool in my lap, I feel detached from the natural world. But, if I really examine objects in nature, I discover qualities that can influence my design thinking.

Although I adore flowers for their delicate beauty, there is much more to them than vibrant colors, seductive shape and sweet fragrance.

The basic function of all flowers is the reproduction of the plant. A quick read through the information on botanical life from the University of Arizona's College of Agriculture site shows me that flowers are quite intricate.

So, although flowers may appear to be a common and simple form of ornamentation, they are actually a vital part of the complex botanical world. This insight can be applied by designers. It is not just about making pretty things. As designers, we are called to investigated the intricacies of functional application to inform the process of creating.

A Strange Shoe

When doing a Google search of my last name, Cioce, I stumbled upon this interesting piece of Italian design culture.

There is a type of traditional footware in Italy called "la ciocia" (pl. cioce or ciocie).

At first, it appeared to me that the form of this shoe was just the result of a strange fashion trend of ages past. But, I was surprised to find this footware is actually functional.

An article on the website of "The People of Ciocaria" Anthropological Museum says the following:

"Negli ultimi secoli sono state per eccellenza le calzature autocostruite piu' economiche; realizzabili con pelli bovine, ovine, suine, bufaline ed asinine, naturali o conciate, erano robuste ed adatte per camminare su campi lavorati e su percorsi impervi, nonchè resistenti a lavori usuranti, come la vangatura."

(In the last centuries they [la ciocia] have been the best self-constructed and economic footware; able to be made from the skin of cows, sheep, pigs, buffalo or donkeys, natural or tanned, they are robust and adapted for walking during daily labor and over broken paths, as well being able to withstand tough work like tilling soil.)

According to some sources, the design of la ciocia developed from the military footware of ancient Roman soldiers.

I was surprised to read that these bizarre looking shoes actually have a well tailored design for the functions that they were used for in the past.

Technology Snobs

I had an interesting discussing today with one of my professors before class. I was having trouble with the wireless internet in my apartment, so I couldn't get the email I was trying to send him to go through. We were discussing how dependent we are on technology and the panic that ensues if we cannot be connected, even for a little while.

Then, I mentioned how frustrating it was for me in undergrad when I would return from the high-speed dorms to my dial-up home over breaks. Yes, my parents still have dial-up internet access. My professor was blown away. He didn't know that dial-up even existed anymore.

When I carelessly send off an Adobe CS4 document to my boss, she has to remind me that we only have CS3 in the office and cannot open my file. I guess I'm a technology snob.

Technology Education

One of the highlights of my trips to Virginia was watching my grandparents experience Skype for the first time. My aunt often uses this application to communicated with her three children when they are away from home.

My grandmother and I talked a little bit about computers after her experience with Skype. She told me that she just doesn't feel she needs a computer. Evidently, my grandfather had offered to buy her one at some point, but she passed it up. She seemed very concerned about having to deal with computer viruses. I can't say it's an irrational fear. As advanced as computer technology is, there still is a lot to deal with as far as computer maintenance, unless of course, you are part of the small population of apple users, like myself. Mac's seem to be miraculously immune to viruses. The reason is supposedly that the people who create viruses don't bother targeting macs because it is such a small percentage of the population.

Perhaps technology will soon be advanced enough that people like my grandmother won't have to worry about the upkeep of the computer, and can enjoy the advantages of technology without the hassle.