Reading Reflection

Identity is very important for any object of commercial significance, individual or an organization. The way flag represents a nation, business logo or symbol identify or represent the organization in the same way.  Identity has been more rapidly established with the advent of electronics. It seems that a properly formulated identity has the potential to generate huge publicity for a business group regardless of its size. It helps the business to become more cohesive, more tightly structured, with strict guidelines and standard specification within which product and publication would be designed and manufactured.

System is also an important need for our life. A system can be designed and reformed to make our life easier. System can be interacting, interrelated or interdependent forms. For example, the road direction sign design, and the map design makes our life so easy and simple.  Some rail stations have designs the path with special tile to direct the passenger to the ticket counter. Even thought system of design makes our life better than the past but in global uses there are some conflict in places like Hong Kong or a place where many languages are used, has difficulties in creating signs for road directions. I learned that design could be part of solution if appropriate strategy is applied to solve the problem.

Cradle to Cradle:

Eco leaving, recycled materials, and preserving the earth, are some of the most discussed topics now a days and it seems that we talk about so much that a two year old can also tell us a word or two about that. However, I believe I must talk about the pages of the book, “Cradle to Cradle” before I say anything else. The book was published using Durabook technology, which uses synthetic glue to make paper which is water proof and virtually indestructible, and one hundred percent recyclable. Moreover, it is not more expensive to conventional books and doesn’t use up any trees. So, the book is a perfect vehicle for carrying the Eco-message.

I like the Michaels’ story and journey of creating designs and his experiences. The whole idea of saving the next generation, its concept, examples and the way he highlighted is excellent. His visit of a large chromium extraction factory in Europe which is used in leather tanning process is an interesting case in point. He found out that every laborer in that factory who wore gas masks of the factory is over 50 in age. The reason was there is a risk of developing cancer from chromium exposure and it takes on average about twenty years. Therefore, it made sense for younger laborers not to be involved in this process.