Welcome to the altbods blog

We use this blog as a resource to discuss the notion of "alternative bodies" in the marketplace and how to design for them/for us. We critique Euro-centric ideology pressed into design and research methods to make room for "alternative bodies" as the focus of artistic creation.

This blog represents the thoughts and art work of our studio class -- by students in architecture, design, illustration, sculpture, graphic and visual arts. We are a hybrid group with many talents.

Sunday, February 27, 2011



Great projects. I am looking forward to the results of your creative labor.

READ THIS ESSAY- it deals with designing for 'the elderly':   http://www.alantyedesignstudio.co.uk/rsacomm.htm


ALL:
Remember to identify the type of qualitative and/or quantitative research you conduct in your project.
No project will receive full credit, unless it does so.   Your audience doesn't know anything about the 'alternative body' group for whom you are designing. Introduce us!  


Your presentation and hard-copy should include these five elements, if not more: 
--Who did you meet of that population in your research? 
-- Describe encounters with your communities.
-- Recall your own feelings and thoughts about yourself as a designer as 
you met new people in this community.
 -- Shed some light on who and how you observed them.
-- What were some sensations you remember (smell, sound, touch, sight, muscle memory)?


An example:


Today I went to the grocery store. The cashier looked like she was a dancer, and that excited me as I am researching dancers in this city. I want to know what they like to wear while performing. My method is to find dancers in San Francisco, by walking around the city. This project will be a report on my movements throughout the city, and will include a final comment on "dancers and clothing design," which represents the culmination of my research this semester. 


The cashier wore red shirt and turquoise scarf. She stretched while she rung up the vegetables I was buying.  Her arms stretched around her head, and her shoulders seemed to move in another direction.  I felt freer as a person as she did her 'dance' at the cashier stand.  I smelt a freshness in the air. The sunlight was brighter.
--


Work hard!
Dr. T.

No comments: