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GOOD BAD DESIGN

A product appealing to the eye but uncomfortable to use

To understand ‘good design’, I looked at ‘learning through making mistakes by design’. It required me to identify and explore elements that lend themselves to bad design. Each such identified element was used to generate artifacts that render them less effective in some way or the other.
A disruptive design process such as this, when deliberately employed, helps understand ‘what not to do’, which conversely helps build the understanding of ‘what can be or should be done’ when designing a process and an artifact.

Prototype of iteration 1 of good bad design

A design concept board showcasing the development of a contact lens case prototype. The left side features hand-drawn sketches of the contact lens case with labeled top and front views. The case design shows blue caps labeled "L" and "R" to denote left and right, with notes explaining that the color blue evokes hygiene but may also cause confusion. Measurements and an additional note highlight a 0.5 cm increase in depth, which would require more lens solution, make usage challenging, and create an unstable base.

On the right side, photos display various prototype components and materials. The top image shows two cylindrical shapes, one resembling a cap and the other an open holder. Below, there are cut-out shapes on a transparent sheet, potentially part of the design experimentation process. The concept emphasizes the principles of complexity in design and the use of color and form as key elements.

A collection of images showing the process of creating a mockup mold design for a contact lens case. The top two images display cylindrical molds in different materials; one is a wooden piece paired with a circular base, while the other shows an assembled mold with the wooden cylinder set into a carved base. The bottom-left image shows a transparent sheet with circular cut-outs, possibly templates for the lens case shape. The bottom-right image shows several clear plastic cup-like molds arranged on a table, representing different iterations of the mockup design.

A mockup of a contact lens case featuring two round compartments with blue caps labeled with circular arrows. The top image shows the closed case with both caps in place, while the middle image displays the case without the caps, revealing the two hollow compartments. The bottom-left inset shows a person unscrewing one of the blue caps from the case, demonstrating its functionality.

An original design of a white contact lens case with two compartments marked "L" and "R" on the caps, indicating left and right lenses. The case dimensions are annotated: each compartment has a diameter of 3 cm, with a spacing of 0.5 cm between them. The total length of the case is 6.5 cm. The depth of each compartment is marked as 1.5 cm, with a smaller depth breakdown showing 0.7 cm for the cap and 0.5 cm for the base.

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This image presents a design exploration for a contact lens case, demonstrating how certain design adjustments can inadvertently lead to a poor user experience. On the left, sketches show a contact lens case with proposed modifications: the addition of indents for comfort, increased cap height, and more threading for a secure fit. However, these changes have drawbacks. The indents are misplaced, reducing ergonomic comfort, and the increased cap height and threading create excessive bulk and complexity, making the case harder to use. The right side includes mockups and prototypes, illustrating how these modifications complicate the design instead of enhancing usability.

This image showcases the mockup process for a contact lens case redesign, including early prototypes and manufacturing steps. The top row displays various materials and forms explored, including a wooden mold and initial shape development for the lens case. The middle section shows close-ups of cap components with added threading and indents, intended to improve grip and comfort. The bottom left image is a close-up of the case threading, while the bottom right image depicts a machine operator fine-tuning the case components on a lathe.

This image presents a contact lens case mockup with distinct "L" and "R" labels on the caps to indicate left and right compartments. The top image shows a close-up of the case with both caps on, while the middle image displays one cap removed, revealing threading inside the compartment. The bottom left inset shows the case being held, providing a sense of scale and usability

An original design of a white contact lens case with two compartments marked "L" and "R" on the caps, indicating left and right lenses. The case dimensions are annotated: each compartment has a diameter of 3 cm, with a spacing of 0.5 cm between them. The total length of the case is 6.5 cm. The depth of each compartment is marked as 1.5 cm, with a smaller depth breakdown showing 0.7 cm for the cap and 0.5 cm for the base

Good Bad Design

This image presents a design concept for a contact lens case, focusing on the principles of deception in form and texture. The left side features hand-drawn sketches showing the top and side views of a contact lens case with “L” and “R” labels for identification. Notes highlight the "deceptive grip" with ridges that evoke comfort but lack actual texture. Additionally, a "transparent base" is intended to create an illusion when pouring lens solution but may make it difficult to find the lens inside.

The overall concept emphasizes how visual and textural design choices can influence user perception and functionality, though the deceptive elements could potentially lead to user inconvenience.

A set of images showcasing the mockup process for a contact lens case design with the principle of design "Deception" and elements of "Form and Texture." The top-left image shows a bamboo mold that forms part of the prototype, highlighting the initial shaping tools. The top-center image displays two clear, hemispherical pieces intended for the lens compartments, representing the transparent base that creates an illusion for the lens solution. The middle-left image features the contact lens case with a transparent and textured base, designed to enhance grip but ultimately creating usability issues. Below is a cylindrical material, used in the prototype creation process. On the right, a machine works on a white cylindrical material, demonstrating the hands-on approach in refining the lens case mockup.

A mockup of a contact lens case illustrating design flaws. The case has "L" and "R" labels on the lids, attempting to offer clarity for left and right compartments. However, the lid design exhibits a deceptive appearance with the illusion of grip ridges, though lacking actual texture, reducing functionality. The transparent base, shown in the open view, creates a confusing illusion when pouring lens solution, making it difficult for users to gauge solution levels. The bottom-left corner shows a person holding the mockup, revealing the potential ergonomic and usability challenges associated with the case.

An original design of a white contact lens case with two compartments marked "L" and "R" on the caps, indicating left and right lenses. The case dimensions are annotated: each compartment has a diameter of 3 cm, with a spacing of 0.5 cm between them. The total length of the case is 6.5 cm. The depth of each compartment is marked as 1.5 cm, with a smaller depth breakdown showing 0.7 cm for the cap and 0.5 cm for the base. The design emphasizes compactness and clear labeling for user convenience.

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