Saturday, December 12, 2009

Branding

Abstract to be posted soon. Click presentation to view video.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Consumption

Click presentation to view video. To view the paper in its entirety click here.

Abstract:

We live in a world where business and the consumer are constantly changing. It is a constant struggle for business to establish a market niche and develop a product, which fits that niche. They must then develop a strategy with the use of technology and advertising to support their product.

The American consumer now bases their purchases more on instant gratification rather than basic needs. As a result, advertising and product promotion have a primary function to increase sales and profits. Products are no longer produced with the interest of society as a whole in mind. The live for today and don’t worry about tomorrow philosophy has created a moral dilemma for the American consumerism and its effects on society.


Materials: Plastics

Click presentation to view video. To view the paper in its entirety, click here.

Abstract:

The origin of plastics began as a technological breakthrough in synthetic materials. In the United States, in particular, plastics have experienced a meteoric rise to become a dominant material in the culture. Plastics are everywhere, from household products to technological devices to building materials to clothes. Plastics have been a major contributor to material culture in the United States. It is the driving force behind disposability. New applications for plastics continue to emerge, and as ubiquitous as these materials are in our culture, they are becoming even more pervasive. In this dawning age of environmental responsibility, new revolutions in plastics must occur. Innovations in eco-friendly manufacturing, sustainability, and processes and applications for recycled plastics are on the horizon. One important part of this revolution, however, is a societal shift in attitudes toward disposable goods. In short, we need to quit sending plastics to the landfill.

Materials: Glass

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Abstract:

Glass: Window to the Future

Building materials have been around since the settlement of humans. They have helped humanity move from a nomadic existence to a sophisticated society. One of the key materials that had a large influence on building design through the ages is glass. Although glass is an old material, it has undergone many technological advances and will continue to be enhanced in the future. Glass has brought us to where we are today and it will continue to move us forward with new and interesting materials that are already being developed.


Culture: A look at technology and how it affected culture in the 1950's

Abstract to be posted soon. Click Presentation to view video.

World Exhibitions

Click presentation to view video.

Abstract:

World Exhibitions will always hold a place in societies around the globe because the benefits they provide are timeless. The concept of exhibitions has developed throughout the years from French and British predecessors into the events we recognize today. Clear evidence supports the theory that world exhibitions bring countries together, specifically through the common appreciation of design development, help nations build or strengthen their national identity, present social and economic gain to host countries, and aid future advancements in design through technology, including materials, products, techniques, and travel methods.
It can be argued World Exposition attendance is a thing of the past, because technology has advanced so far that we could much more easily watch an online broadcast of an exhibition than be physically present. However, numerous sources pointing to the past success of exhibitions makes it difficult to believe they will ever be out of date.




This blog is intended for the interior design students in the college of design at the University of Kentucky. It was created with the intent to present students with information, providing them with a channel for contemplation and discussion.