Comments on: A Designer Education

By: Jasper

Jasper — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 20:19:59 +0000

@Bobby, I use a computer all day, every day, but something about reading books on a computer screen plays with my eyes. No idea why because I spend at least 8 hours a day in a text editor! That and the point @Alphonse makes about the general distraction about being able to do so many things on a computer.

I’m trying to train myself out of my dislike of reading on screens, though, as, like you say, books will all go this way eventually.

By: Alphonse

Alphonse — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:24:57 +0000

@ Jasper

I agree. If i try and read/watch something on my computer, I often get easily distracted and start opening new windows, which is why i like to read, watch a dvd, or listen to a lot of music away from the computer. With that said, I HATE being burdened by having physical objects around.

@Maria

Brilliant.

By: Maria

Maria — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 12:08:50 +0000

Your post make me think… please read this Lowe’s cartoon and the text he posted here: http://blogs.trb.com/news/opinion/chanlowe/blog/2009/12/chan_lowe_hitech_gift_of_the_f.html

By: Bobby

Bobby — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:07:22 +0000

@Jasper – I think a lot of people stare at computer screens for long portions of the day, so I’d say you’re in the minority on that point. The fact of the matter is that media like books will start to be digitized, and because of that, designers need to play a crucial part in making sure they work effectively.

I believe in evolution over stagnation.

By: Jasper

Jasper — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:04:11 +0000

@Bobby it’s fairly personal rationale really. I find it irritating reading for extended periods on a screen. I think it’d be a huge paradigm shift to go to a video games for learning, and I just don’t think it’d happen.

That and the fact that I love physical media. I know digital has environmenta and financiall advantages, but on a one dimensional level I prefer books (and CDs and DVDs etc.)

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:00:15 +0000

@ Walker. Bobby wasn’t contesting the importance of ideas. Ideas are foundational to any sort of learning – regardless of how it is shaped by media. What Bobby is trying to say is that educational mediums have a tremendous bearing on the accessibility of content. By digitizing curricula, making it more relatable to the modern learner, content is made more effective. I’m not suggesting that the use of a tablet (or computer) should eclipse other (more traditional) means of learning, but if offers a new interface that may be more accessible to others. Just a thought…

By: Bobby

Bobby — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 08:00:52 +0000

@Jasper & Richiee – Why would it be bad if we had tablet computers instead of books? Imagine if your learning experience was akin to av video game. For example, Nintendo made Wii Fit, so now it’s “fun” to exercise and it doesn’t feel like a chore. Why couldn’t we apply those very same principles to a classroom situation and teaching kids to learn about math/science/history whatever?

@Alphonse – Charlie was such a genius. I have one of his prints hanging on my wall, he’s a huge inspiration.

@Amanda – I don’t think there’s anything shallow about making books that facilitate learning more. I’m not talking about gimmicks, about making books that are flashy looking. I’m talking about designing books that work better, that draw kids in and want to see what’s on the next page. What you’re saying is things are fine the way the way there, what I’m saying is that we can make things better.

@Walker – Pleased you’re charmed. I never said that “ideas” weren’t important, good content is of the utmost importance. But instilling this idea that they should learn isn’t good enough, especially with the youth society that’s currently forming. We need to make textbooks something that they can enjoy, something that entertains them.

By: walker

walker — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 07:08:04 +0000

Your optimism is charming. However, enthusiasm for ideas and history is a necessary condition for learning. No design, however good, can teach without “ideas”. More important than the media we use to convey these ideas is our ability to instill our children with an enthusiasm for ideas, whether learned via book or netbook.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 06:25:26 +0000

“…[T]hat by creating well designed objects that the world will be a better place…” is a bit overzealous. There are people for whom colorful textbooks will be a great study aid and there are those who will do just as well with e-readers. Let those who want them demand them, but don’t expect to convince everyone else that an aesthetic element is absolutely necessary or characteristic of a higher culture. For some, it’s just shallow.

By: Alphonse

Alphonse — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 18:55:53 +0000

The proper solution is to invent a time machine, so we can be educated when textbooks like this were being used

http://grainedit.com/2008/02/25/charles-harper-illustrations-giant-golden-book-of-biology/