WEEK 11: CONTRAST

The use of contrast of shapes contributes to a successful design in this case. The curvy, round and sinuous shapes of the top of this chair make contrast with the vertical legs and its rectilinear base. The regular and predictable shape of the base contrasts the irregularity of the top of the chair making this design attractive and interesting for the user. There is also a contrast of textures and materials. The clean white sleek plastic surface of the top of this design makes contrast with the hardness of the brown wooden and steeled base, which can be considered as a successful approach because it defines the visual meaning of this furniture design and it gives a balanced well contrasted result.

On the other hand, the design of this hair brush is somehow confusing and not functional at all. This is due to the surreal contrast achieved by the juxtaposition of a hair brush and fingers instead of the conventional predictable bristles. This contrast of fingers with a hair brush does communicate some kind of visual statement that the designer wants to transmit. I believe the overall design is a failure because this object turns out not to be functional despite of the visual message the designer wants to convey through this juxtaposition. It does create a dramatic effect, an unpredictable result, an unexpected set of things, but hair brushes are made for people to brush their hair, and no one could ever brush their hair appropriately with an object like this. This object does not meet the specifications of its functionality and serves only as a visual statement composed by this odd juxtaposition or as a decoration article.