R541 Project 1Form and Function

Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer26 January 2014

Analysis Report

Form & Function: Part I

Object: Blanket

Purpose• Insulate a body for warmth• Decorate a living space• Comfort a person

Image “Throw Blanket Comfort” created by Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and used with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12140011033/

BlanketColor: Off-whitePattern: SolidShape: RectangleDimensions: 66”L X 54”WCategory: Throw BlanketMaterial

• 100% Polyester Fleece• Tight weave • One side 1/4” higher cut pile with “faux fur” feel• Other side short pile velveteen feel

Construction• Double ply• Folded edge• 3” hem• Hem perimeter is only stitching• Mitered corners

Images “Throw Blanket 66 X 54” and “Blanket Form 2Sided” created by Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and used with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12144322264/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12140418066/ respectively

Functional Requirements

• Large enough to cover an adult body in a seated/reclined position

• Thick enough to trap body heat• Soft in touch when in direct contact with skin• Aesthetically pleasing to the eye• Durable enough for frequent laundering• Presence supports a tranquil environment

Form and Function MatrixFormal Characteristics Functional Requirements SynthesisOff-white, solid color Aesthetically pleasing to the eye Lacking bright colors allows for complementing an

array of living space decor as well as helps create a peaceful environment conducive for relaxing without little distraction

Presence supports a tranquil environment

L66” X W54”, Rectangle shape Large enough to cover an adult body in a seated/reclined position

Based on the dimensions, the intended use would adequately accommodate a body as large as an average adult in a seated/reclining position

Polyester Fleece, Tight weave, Double ply

Durable enough for frequent laundering Given its size, material and construction, it is meant for daily use up against the skin/clothing, so it needs to be non-irritating to the skin, a thickness capable of trapping body heat, a visual and sensual quality where the user does not tire of it with repeated use; it also has the potential to become soiled often, such as if the user were consuming a TV dinner on the lap, and would need to withstand washings

Soft in touch when in contact with skin

Thick enough to trap body heat

Aesthetically pleasing to the eye

“Faux fur” & velveteen feel Soft in touch when in contact with skin The softness in the draping effect of the material would signal to the user physical passivity and relaxation versus activity and stimulationPresence supports a tranquil environment

Only stitching is hemFolded Edge, Mitered Corners

Aesthetically pleasing to the eye Lack of excessive stitching allows it to be less rigid and drape the user while maintaining the integrity and beauty of the fabric; the care in the construction of the edge and corners at closer look may be appreciated by the user

Presence supports a tranquil environment

Durable enough for frequent laundering

Collection and Report Analysis

Form and Function: Part 2

Blanket AColor: Black, white, grayPattern: Navajo horizontal stripeShape: RectangleDimensions: 61”L X 26”WCategory: Western Saddle BlanketMaterial

• 100% Acrylic• Tight weave • Stiff and coarse in feel

Construction• Single ply• Machine stitched• Short sides have ½” folded and stitched edge

Image “Saddle Form” created by Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and used with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12147406355/

Analysis• Similarities with Original: Shape and Length• Differences with Original: Color, Pattern, Width, Category, Material, ConstructionFulfillment of Functional Requirements: Although Blanket A is thick enough to trap body heat and durable enough for frequent laundering, it’s dimensions (too narrow), material (too stiff/coarse), color and pattern (too dark and bold) fail to meet the functional requirements of the original.

Blanket BColor: Navy, green, burgundy, goldPattern: CheckeredShape: RectangleDimensions: 68”L X 48”WCategory: Throw BlanketMaterial

• 100% Wool• Medium tight weave• Scratchy and coarse in feel

Construction• Single ply• 1 ½” twisted weave edges• No stitching

Image “Wool Form” created by Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and used with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12147814644/

Analysis• Similarities with Original: Shape, Dimensions, Category• Differences with Original: Color, Pattern, Material, ConstructionFulfillment of Functional Requirements: Blanket B is large enough to cover and trap the body heat of an average adult in a seated/reclined position; however, it’s material is not conducive to frequent laundering nor meant for direct skin contact. It’s pattern is relatively simple, but may or may not serve a user’s aesthetic or assist in cultivating a relaxing environment.

Blanket CColor: Off-whitePattern: SolidShape: RectangleDimensions: 38”L X 28”WCategory: Baby BlanketMaterial

• 100% Polyester fleece with satin trim• Tight weave • Dual sided 1/8” short cut pile with soft feel feel

Construction• Single ply• 1 ½” satin weave edges• Machine stitched• Mitered corners

Image “Baby Form” created by Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and used with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12147813424/

Analysis• Similarities with Original: Color, Pattern, Shape, Material• Differences with Original: Dimensions, ConstructionFulfillment of Functional Requirements: This blanket could serve as a miniature of the original for the array of similarities between the two; however, this adult user of the blanket would have difficulty covering their body and keeping warm due to the blanket’s smaller size. This might also impact the user’s ability to development a peaceful environment.

Blanket DColor: Multi primary with blue backgroundPattern: Bus/Car motifShape: RectangleDimensions: 58”L X 46”WCategory: Tie BlanketMaterial

• 100% Polyester fleece • Thin, no pile• Tight weave • Soft to the touch

Construction• Double ply• Knotted edges with 2” ends• Handmade

Image “Child Form” created by Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and used with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12147808754/

Analysis• Similarities with Original: Shape, Material• Differences with Original: Color, Pattern, Dimensions, Category, ConstructionFulfillment of Functional Requirements: This blanket is likely big enough to cover an adult body, but judging from the color and pattern, it is designed for a child’s use. The functional requirements of aesthetics for an adult and a child would like not be the same and the busy pattern would distract the user from cultivating a relaxing atmosphere.

Blanket EColor: Dark red, navy, sandPattern: Handkerchief, Horsehead profileWestern scene with cowboys, Stripes, StarsShape: SquareDimensions: 39”L X 39”WCategory: Baby QuiltMaterial

• Cotton polyester blend with polyester batting• Tight weave • Smooth and soft to the touch

Construction• Double ply fabric with batting• 2x2” and 6X6” quilted squares• Straight and zig-zag batting stitch • Folded edges • Straight corners• Homemade• Machine stitched

Image “Cowboy Quilt Form” created by Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and used with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12148071956/

Analysis• Similarities with Original: Soft• Differences with Original: Color, Pattern, Shape, Dimensions, Category, Material, ConstructionFulfillment of Functional Requirements: Although there are few similarities, this blanket is thick enough to trap body heat, but it’s small size would not cover an adult body in a seated or reclined position. Additionally, the homemade characteristic of the blanket may lend itself to function more as an heirloom and the user may choose not to use the blanket as a blanket, but as a wall hanging or keepsake instead.

Blanket FColor: Multi Pattern: Star Wars, Various Flowers,Grass, Yellow and white solidsShape: RectangleDimensions: 85”L X 72”WCategory: Queen Size QuiltMaterial

• Cotton polyester blend with cotton batting• Recycled sheets with Tight weave• Smooth and soft to the touch

Construction• Double ply fabric with batting• 2x2” and 6X6” quilted squares• Single, hand-tied batting stitch in each square• Folded edges and Straight corners• Homemade and Machine and hand stitching

Image “Star Wars Quilt” created by Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and used with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12151425075/

Analysis• Similarities with Original: Shape• Differences with Original: Color, Pattern, Dimensions, Category, Material, ConstructionFulfillment of Functional Requirements: This blanket is thick and large enough to cover and trap the body heat of an adult, but the mismatched nature of the pattern would likely detract from any living space aesthetic. Like the previous blanket, the homemade characteristic may force it to the “bottom of the cedar chest” as a memento of family. Frequent laundering might also take its toll on the Blanket F as well given its hand stitching.

ConclusionI chose the blanket form because I’m fascinated with how my 3-year-old

daughter interacts with her “blank,” the featured Original Form in this project.If she could articulate it, I believe the list of blanket’s functional requirements would also include: • Large enough to encapsulate a couch cushion fort• Wide enough to tie ‘round the neck for a super hero cape• Substitute for mommy’s when I’m hurt

In reflection, I’ve realized the emotional connection humans make with forms because of their function is astounding, such as that sinking feeling one experiences arriving at a destination sans cell phone or wallet. In those instances, the lack of form may render the user functionless!

In this context, Lipton’s (2007) statement about perception principles carry greater meaning when applied to the fundamental design principle illustrated in this project: “Create and arrange elements…in line with inherent human behavior” (p. 451). This seems to be the keystone in the arch of instructional design.

Lipton, R. (2007). The practical guide to information design. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [Kindle edition]