GalleryCard SchoolArts May/June 2009
example of how design can change the way
we interact with objects and, also, how we
define their use.
Things to consider:
What other types of chairs are designed for
a specific purpose? Designers can customize
Designed during the eighteenth century in
this iconic piece of furniture to address spe-
England, this chair was created for wealthy
cific needs. For example, a dentist chair lets
men to use in their private library or study
the patient fully recline, allowing the dentist
specifically for reading. Although, at first
to remain comfortably seated while giving
glance, this may look like a traditional chair,
him or her full and easy access to the patient’s
the designers added several subtle and some-
teeth. A high chair raises a child to the height
times hidden features to transform this object.
of the adult who is feeding him or her, but
First, an adjustable bookrest was attached to
has a wide base to stabilize the tall, narrow
the top of the backrest. While this provided
structure from tipping. Think of an action you
a spot to place your book, it also forced the
do while seated (for example, reading, using
user to sit in the chair differently. The user
a laptop, watching a movie, etc. Could you
would sit backwards on the seat and straddle
design a chair to make that specific action
the backrest. Next to the bookrest, they would
more efficient?
find a retractable tin candleholder and a secret
drawer. There was also another larger drawer
in the seat.
This chair was one of the first to be
designed specifically for reading. It is also an
By Allison Valchuis, education programs
assistant; and Kim Robledo-Diga, professional development manager at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum.
Reading Chair: “Cockfight Chair,” England,
ca. 1720–30. Walnut, leather, brass, tin. Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian
Institution. Gift of Mrs. Paul Moore, 1960-164-16-
a/c. Photo: Matt Flynn.
GalleryCard SchoolArts May/June 2009
For example, sporting competitions are often
This textile was designed during the Ming ranked with medals—bronze, silver, and
Dynasty (1368–1644) to identify different ranks gold. Academic achievement is measured by
of officials in China. These woven badges were ascending letter grades—A, B, C, D, and F.
displayed on the front and back of an official’s The United States military uses various col-
robe. Civilian and military ranks were differ- ors and geometric shapes to symbolize rank
entiated by a symbol of an animal woven onto in their organization. Can you think of other
the badge. Each rank had a specific animal systems that are used to measure rank or
associated with it. In this case the crane, a achievement?
highly regarded symbol in traditional Chinese
mythology, was chosen to represent the high-
Silk, gilded paper. Cooper-Hewitt, National Design How are systems of rank symbolized and
Museum, Smithsonian Institution. Gift of John Pier- designed? What can colors, symbols, or text
pont Morgan, 1902-1-433. Photo: Scott Hyde. represent when creating systems of order?
Rank Badge, China, Ming Dynasty before 1644. Things to consider:
By Allison Valchuis, education programs
assistant; and Kim Robledo-Diga, profes-
or military, and also allowed other officials to
recognize their superiors. Similar to the stripes
on United States military uniforms, these
rank badges were also a symbol of honor and
respect.
identify important leaders in their government
These symbols made it easy for citizens to
est rank of civilian official.
sional development manager at the Cooper-
Hewitt, National Design Museum.
GalleryCard SchoolArts May/June 2009
mainly through visual images. This allows it
to be understood by anyone who can visually
interpret the information, regardless of what
language they speak or their level of reading
comprehension.
The Vernaid Bandage, England, early twentieth
century. Printed cotton. Cooper-Hewitt, National
Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution. Gift of
Milton Sonday, 1981-43-1. Photo: Matt Flynn.
By Allison Valchuis, education programs
might not survive like cloth would.
assistant; and Kim Robledo-Diga, profes-
The information printed on this bandage
sional development manager at the Cooper-
is particularly effective since it is represented
Hewitt, National Design Museum.
During World War I, efficient first aid was
essential on the battlefield. Supplies needed Things to consider:
to be easily transported and simple to use. For How can instructions be designed to bet-
these reasons, the versatile triangular bandage ter communicate procedures? Compare and
became a staple of first aid kits, as it can be contrast various types of instructions you
used as a sling or folded in different configura- may have at home or in your classroom. How
tions on nearly any part of the body. are instructions written for objects like fire
The triangular Vernaid bandage was made extinguishers or heart defibrillators different
even easier to use by including examples of from instruction manuals for DVD players
applications. The various configurations were and video game systems? How would you
printed directly onto the bandage, which design instructions to guide someone from
helped users to properly use the object, while your house to school? Design two sets of
eliminating the need to print accompanying instructions: one for a young child and one for
instructions. The designers also considered a teacher.
the harsh and unpredictable conditions of the
combat zones and knew that paper pamphlets
GalleryCard SchoolArts May/June 2009
Winfield, U.S.A., ca. 1960. Plastic. Cooper-Hewitt, How are objects that perform potentially
National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution. unsafe operations designed to be safer? Look
Gift of Armand G. Winfield, 1993-76-11, 10, 14. for items in your school that have been
Photo: Matt Flynn. designed to protect the user from danger (for
example, safety scissors, plastic drafting com-
When designers redesign objects, they often passes, or traction tape on stairs). How could
aim to increase the capabilities of the origi- you redesign a potentially unsafe object or
nal item. In this case, however, Armand G. dangerous area in your school?
By Allison Valchuis, education programs
objects. Winfield worked with the New Mex-
assistant; and Kim Robledo-Diga, profes-
ico Corrections department to design a new
sional development manager at the Cooper-
Hewitt, National Design Museum.
Fork, Knife, Spoon, designed by Armand G. Things to consider:
Winfield redesigned the fork, knife, and spoon
to limit the capabilities of these traditional
standard of safe cutlery to be used by inmates.
A master in the field of plastic engineering, Winfield molded small grooves diagonally
along the handle of the utensils. This lightweight plastic set is designed to safely and gently pick up or cut food. However, if the utensil
is used with any greater pressure than what is
needed to lift food, it will snap along one of the
grooves. Therefore, it prevents the object from
potentially being used as a weapon.
