The Final Personal Vessel

Reflection on David Pye's "Nature and Aesthetics of Design"

I enjoy finally seeing that a designer is discussing the economy as a factor in design. It seems like many individuals think more of what they are making over what it will take to make the actual object. Designer, David Rye discusses how the word “better” can be manipulated. Most jump to the conclusion that better means cheaper. That is true in most cases, but not in all. The word better can mean something is more aesthetically pleasing. It can also mean that the functionality of the product beats all the rest of its kind. In Rye’s case of course, he is talking of the cheap aspect. Rye talks of how many people do useless or “bored” work and do not consider the economy while creating things that are expensive but not needed. For instance, if I was low on money but decided that I wanted to build my own egg chair for my living room to make it look vintage, it is unnecessary material use. The metal, plastic, or wood, plus fabric that I would be using could be used for a design project that I need in order to get a grade for class. If I use money to but materials to create a class project then money is not being wasted technically. I believe that money should always be considered when creating new products. Looks are second. The lack of thinking economically savvy has hurt a lot of businesses by making them go into debt and get shut down or slowed down. This will continue to happen as long as companies do not stop and think of ways to create cheaper consumed products. From Rye’s essay, I understand more so that what I will be doing for my vessel project could possibly end up as wasteful. When I cut the blocks of wood and do not use certain scraps, it is wasting. However, if I use them to create something such as a handle or a stopper for the top, it is not wasteful. I am aware that I will not be able to avoid not wasting any wood at all or any glue at all for that matter. However, I will try and think of Rye when creating my vessel or box for project three.

Before Poly Urethane Coating

Before putting the poly urethane onto my box, the cherry wood was not that red and sort of a dull color. It almost looked dusty and with all the chips of wood after sanding, it probably was.

Here is my vessel or box before the final finish.