Intermediate 2 and Higher Written Exam Prep/ Form and Function of Design
How to respond to a design
• You will write 10 points about the form and function of a design for question (a) of the written exam.
• Look at the specific design and think about these questions to ask yourself.
• Get into the way of asking yourself the questions below and you will find it easier and easier to respond to any design.
Designers are always trying to find the perfect balance between a design looking good and working well.
Form verses Function!
Form – What does it look like?
Function – What does it do?
What does the look of the design remind you of?
What is the theme that inspired the design?
What colours are used?
What is the colour scheme?
What qualities do the colours have?
How are the colours/shapes/lines/images connected to
what the design does?
What contrasts are there?
What qualities do the materials have?
What do the materials look like?
What shapes and lines are there?
How are the shapes and lines connected to the 3-D
Shape?
How are the shapes, lines and 3-D forms connected to
the design’s function?
Imagine using the design.
How does the design interact with the user?
It is comfortable or not? Why?
What would be good and bad about using it?
VS
Why would someone pay money for it?
Who will use it ?
What will they use it for ?
When will they use it ?
Where will they use it ?
Why will they use it ?
How will they use it ?
What problems might happen to the design?
Are there similar designs that do the same job?
What makes them better or worse?
How has the design changed over time?
When was it made?
Does it look like it is from a specific period in history?
What improvements or problems have happened
through the history of the design?
Target Market/ Who would use the design?
Writing about designs is different to writing about artwork because designs should have a function; they should work.
Designs have a job to do, a use, a purpose.
When you are looking at design think about trying it on or using it.
If you don’t think the design is for you, think who it has been designed for.
Who would use this design?
Who would want to use the design and why would they be attracted to it?
Who would pay money to use it?
You must fully describe this person and give reasons why they would use it –
Age group, male/female, job, wealth, interests, physical features.
Think what qualities, personality and needs they have.
Describe specific parts or qualities the design has and why this would be good for the person who would use it.
Next, think about parts of the design which the person would not like or make it difficult for them to use.
Think about all the different types of people in the world and what design would suit them -
Critical/Design Studies/Word Bank
Form
Materials
Elements
Attention-seeking
Details
Developed
Colour Scheme
Created
Bold
Design Movement
Expensive
Properties
Inexpensive
Cheap
Three-dimensional
Impact
Bright
Fashionable
Range
Contemporary
Restrained
Mass-produced
Rich
Contrast
Bespoke
Encrusted
Connecting
Modern
New
Eye-catching
Old-fashioned
Contrasting Clashing
Hand Made
Adorned
Restrained
Dramatic
Simple
Complicated
Simplified
Minimal
Unique
Inspired
Rich
Luxurious
Attractive
Dangerous
Rebellious
Textured
Loose
Tight
Draped
Rippled
Ridged
Edge
Point
Natural
Nature
Man-Made
Un-natural
Organic
Flowing
Sinuous
S-Shaped
Geometric
Sharp
Sleek
Elegant
Sophisticated
Ripped
Assembled
Repeated
Vibrant
Shiny
Metallic
Elongated
Reflective
Bright
Stretched
Clean
Focus
Edgy
Powerful
Neutral
Wearable
Wearing
Reaction
Pointed
Ideal
Use
Performance
Worn Wearing
Easy
Complex
Using
Performing
Successful
Complicated
History
Durable
Breakable
Elaborate
Busy
Cumbersome
The user
Fashionable
Younger
Older
The wearer
Inspired
Fitted
Effective
Built
Modern
Contemporary
of it’s time
Age
Hand-made Machine-made
Delicate
Structure
Structured
Flexible
Light weight
Over the top
Comfortable
Uncomfortable
Various
Limited
Materials
Design Movement
time period
Useful
Constructed
Suitable
Light-weight
Produced
Sensitive
Made Created
Produced
Old Fashioned
Moulded
Retro
Hard wearing
Tough
Simple
Minimal
Uncluttered Decorated
Heavy
Robust
Large
Layered
Proportions
Breathable
Flat
Empowering
Function
Function
Style
Small
Scale
Critical/Design Studies/Writing Frame
Start or include some of the words and phrases below when writing about designers and designs[this is an example of a word you want to use in your sentence]
The designer has used..
The design shows..
The layout of the design..
The function of the design..
The market this design is aimed at is..
The target market would be..
This design would attract..
These [shapes] reflect..
These [shapes] remind me of..
The qualities the materials have are..
This communicates..
This gives a sense of..
The use of [line] in the design..
There is a limited colour scheme of..
This contrasts with..
The contrasting [shapes] of..
The structure of the design..
When using this design..
..this makes the [shape] stand out.
..this emphasises the [shape].
..this is linked to..
..this can be compared to..
At Intermediate 2 and Higher level you will
sit a written exam in May and Prelim in
January.
You will be asked to answer two questions
about design.
Question (a) will ask you to write 10 points
about a fashion/Textile design shown in
exam.
Snowboarding Jacket design
Question (b) will ask you to write 10 points
(int 2) or 20 points (Higher) about two
fashion/Textile designers and their work.
Convergent Snowboarding Jacket
HellyTech Fabric
2008
Special features include an interior iPod pocket, snapaway powder skirt and a goggle pocket. The outside of
this jacket features HellyTech fabric as well as an
adjustable hood and pit vents. This jacket also has a
relaxed fit.
Write 10 clear points responding to
this design.
Describe it’s form fully and how
suitable it is as a snowboarding
jacket.
Describe fully the target market this
design is aimed at.
Snowboarding Jacket design
Convergent Snowboarding Jacket
Billabong Wolle Men’s Jacket
HellyTech Fabric
Designed by pro- rider Wolfgan Nyvelt
2008
2009
Special features include an interior iPod pocket, snapaway powder skirt and a goggle pocket. The outside of
this jacket features HellyTech fabric as well as an
adjustable hood and pit vents. This jacket also has a
relaxed fit to make comfort ideal while riding the hills.
•100%-recycled polyester herringbone material
• Polar fleece lining
• Full-length interior and exterior storm flap
• Polar fleece collar with chinguard Cargo pockets
• Elastic bungee cord hem
Peep toe ankle boot
Leather
Alexander McQueen/ shoe design
2009
Quote from a fashion website review
These boots are so incredibly cool. A sort of tribute to Michael
Jackson. They look like the leather jackets he wore back in
the Thriller days. These boots are the Alexander McQueen
Peep Toe Ankle Boot and they come in both silver and black
and they can be worn with the 'collar' up or snapped down.
Personally, I like it snapped down. Check out the skull shaped
zipper pull. They have a 4.5 inch heel and a .5 inch platform.
$1,159.
Armadillo/python Platform Shoe
Leather, animal print, wood
2009
Height - 13 inches
NIKE MERCURIAL VAPOUR SL, Limited Edition (2000 pairs) Football boot,
Carbon Fibre, 190 grams, £239.00, 2009
Write 10 points about this design. Comment on use and handling of materials,
fitness of materials and the success of the design as a football boot. Explain how
the design’s qualities would affect the performance of the wearer. Explain who the
design would appeal to. Give reasons.
Steel Toe-capped Football Boot, Leather, Iron studs, cotton laces, circa 1850.
Write 10 points about this design.
Comment on use and handling of materials, fitness of materials and the success of the
design as a football boot. Explain how the design’s qualities would affect the performance
of the wearer. Explain who the design would appeal to. Give reasons.
Vivienne Westwood/Fashion and Textile design
Shirt
Striped brown and white cotton with stenciled and
painted slogans, appliquéd patches
1976
Design and quote from Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
‘..an anarchy shirt—distressed to look old, with bleached-out
stripes, and appliquéd with badges, flags and slogans: 'Only
anarchists are Pretty!,' 'Dangerously close to Love,' 'We are
not afraid of Ruins,' 'Chaos,' and a woven label from
Chinatown of the portrait of Karl Marx, to which Malcolm
added a swastika. This shirt looked as if it belonged to an
urban guerilla and Malcolm saw in it the key to a new
collection of clothes. All the current themes—rips, zips, porn,
slogans, bondage and chains–were pressed into service and
punk style was born’
Harris Tweed/Camouflage Collection
Printed fabric, wool, silk
1995
Butterfly/Peacock Hat
Silk, feathers, fabric, paper butterflies
2008
Philip Treacy/Fashion and Textile Hat design
Target Market/
Client –
The Devil Hat
Silk, Lace, wire
2005
This design was specially
made for Sarah Jessica
Parker to wear at the ‘Sex
and the City’ Film
premier.
Other people attracted to
Treacy’s designs include
Lady GaGa and Isabella
Blow.
Stephen Jones/Fashion and Textile Hat design
Loopy
Silk, Fastenator, Metal rings.
2010
Napoleon Hat
Metallic finish fabrics, silk, feathers, metal
2008
'A hat is not something you merely put
on, but is something you become.'
Philip Treacy Milliner
Target Market/ Client –
People attracted to Treacy’s designs and who have
hats designed for them include Madonna, David
Bowie, Gwen Stefani, Naomi Campbell and the
Queen Mother.
At Intermediate 2 and Higher level you will
sit a written exam in May and Prelim in
January.
John Galliano/Fashion and Textile design
You will be asked to answer two questions
about design.
Question (a) will ask you to write 10 points
about a fashion/Textile design shown in
exam.
Question (b) will ask you to write 10 points
(int 2) or 20 points (Higher) about two
fashion/Textile designers and their work.
Dress from Spring/Summer Couture collection.
Metallic finish silk, jewels
2004
Quote from Style.com Beginning with Erin O’Connor, resplendent in a gold
outfit with massively overblown cuffs, painted face, and
a huge empress headdress, Galliano worked what he
called “the sphinx line: elongated, tight, attenuated.
John Galliano/Fashion and Textile design
John Galliano/Fashion and Textile design
Dress from Autumn/Winter Couture collection.
Metallic finish silk, Synamay, torn fabric
2010
Dress from Autumn/winter Couture collection.
Silk, wool, jewels
2010
John Galliano/Fashion and Textile design
John Galliano/Fashion and Textile design
Dress from Autumn/Winter Couture collection.
Metallic finish silk, transparent silk, Synamay
2010
Dress from Spring/Summer Couture collection.
Metallic finish silk, wool, jewels
2010
Dyed Silk, wool, jewels
2010
John Galliano/Fashion and Textile design
John Galliano/Fashion and Textile design
Dress from Spring/Summer Couture collection.
Dress from Autumn/winter Couture collection.
Cotton, wool, jewels, pom-poms
2010
Jerseys/Cycle Racing design
World, Jolly Roger Cycle Jersey
Blox, Aotearoa Cycle Jersey
Thermodress, polyester
Thermodress, polyester
2009
2009
• Extra long 45cm front zip for extreme venting
• KOM Port to keep your headphone and race
communication cords hidden. Three rear pockets
• It reduces the energy required to cool the body
core, increasing performance and endurance.
Body Suit/Motorcycle Rally design
KLIM D30 extreme rally jacket and trousers. Jacket: £900, trousers £500, GOR-TEX fabrics, 2009
Body Suit/Motorcycle Rally design
World, Jolly Roger Cycle Jersey
Thermodress, polyester
2009
D30 extreme rally jacket and trousers. Jacket: £900, trousers £500, GOR-TEX fabrics, 2009
Design Essay/ Sport Shoe design
NIKE Oregon Waffle Track and Field Trainer
1973
£15
• Lightweight material – rubber, polyester and cotton.
• Eye-catching colour scheme.
• Waffle sole developed for flexibility and lightness.
This was one of the first shoes Nike made.
The Designer used the shape of his wife’s iron as inspiration for the form of the shoe’s sole suitable for
athletes.
Design Essay/ Sport Shoe design
PUMA AMQ Ribcage Trainer
Collaboration between Alexander McQueen and PUMA
2009
£250
• Upper blends canvas, gradient leather and plastic rib cage overlay
• Cushioned midsole for comfort and support
• 3D treaded rubber outsole for traction
“In this collaboration between PUMA and British couture demigod Alexander McQueen, the human rib
cage, tendons and veins served as the design inspiration.” PUMA Website
The shoe features an intricate mesh work that resembles a network of tendons on the foot.
Design Essay/ Football boot design
History
‘King Henry VIII’s football boots were listed within the Great Wardrobe of 1526, a shopping list of the day. They were
made by his personal shoemaker Cornelius Johnson in 1525, at a cost of 4 shillings, the equivalent of £100 in today’s
money. Little is known about them, as there is no surviving example, but the royal football boots are known to have been
made of strong leather, ankle high and heavier than the normal shoe of the day.’
Footyboots.com
Examples of the first studded football boots –
Materials - Pig Skin leather, steel studs and toecap, thick cotton
laces, Hand-Made and stitched.
Weight – 2kg
Date - 1880
Design Essay/ Football boot design
Nike Mercurial Vapor III football boot
Materials – Plastic, Synthetic, breathable leather, carbon fibre
Weight – 200g
Price – £135
Date - 2009
Function
Performance: Extremely light (less than 200g), due to its Teijin synthetic upper and the light weight carbon fibre heel. This
makes for a speedy results and a good close feel of the ball.
The sole of the football boot consists of a moulded design, ideal for firm ground.
The studs are angled differently, with different lengths which gives optimum traction for quick acceleration and change of
direction.
Comfort: The synthetic ‘NikeSkin’ is very forgiving on the foot and moulds to the contours of the individual. The breathable,
cushioned internal heel cup offers heel support and reduces movement.
Players: Thierry Henry, Adriano and Ronaldo wore this design at the World Cup 2010
Design Essay/Jewellery design
Title – Dragonfly woman corsage ornament
Type of Jewellery – Corsage/Brooch
Designer - René Lalique
Materials - gold, moonstones, and diamonds
Date – 1897
Length – 25 cm
Design Movement – Art Nouveau (New Art)
This design has lots of qualities which make it
look typical of a design belonging to the Art
Nouveau design Movement.
A design movement is a group of designer’s
whose work or ideas behind the work had
something in common.
This could be to do with • What the designs looked like, how they were
made or what they were used for
• What inspired the designers
• What was happening in the world at the time
• What had been designed in the past and
what the designers wanted to change.
Function;
Wearing a corsage
So what makes designs LOOK
Art Nouveau?
Investigation –
• Nature/Organic forms
• Flowers, Plants
• Natural Lines
• Shapes and Colours
• Exotic animals
• The Female body
• Long flowing hair
Development –
• Stretching, flowing, elegant Lines and Shapes.
• Simplified details,
• S-Shapes and curves.
• Elongated and sinous
Materials –
• Expensive and exotic.
• Gold and Diamonds
• Precious jewels and stones
• Hard Woods from exotic places; Mahogany, Teek
• Glass
Colour Schemes –
Natural colours; Sage Green, olive green, Mustard yellow, peacock blue, Wood
Muted colours
Secondary Colours; Greens and Purples, Violets, Lilac
Peacock Tail Feathers
All White
Target Market –
Rich, sophisticated women.
Women who have a special occasion or event to attend and be seen at.
People interested in new, exciting and romantic designs.
Design Essay/Jewellery design
Contemporary
Farrah Al-Dujaili
http://farrahal-dujaili.blogspot.com/
Yu Ping Un
http://yuxilin.blogspot.com/
Miriam Rowe
http://miriamrowe.wordpress.com/artist-statement/
Click on one of the links above to see examples of designer’s work.
Use ‘Form and Function of Design’ question sheet to describe what the design
looks like and what it does.
If link does not work; copy and paste whole link into web browser bar on the internet.
Design Essay/Jewellery design
Contemporary
Miriam Rowe
Rowe was inspired by old wallpaper she saw in her Granny’s house from the late
1800’s.
The Designer investigated the visual qualities of the wallpaper; pattern, colour,
detail, texture, shape and line.
The Designer then developed these qualities into a brooch design.
Design Essay/ Graphic design - Posters
Title – ‘Mister Tambourine Man’ Homage to Bob Dylan
Function – Poster promoting Bob Dylan’s single ‘Mister
Tambourine Man. Printed in the seventh issue of the
controversial ‘OZ magazine’.
Graphic Designer – Martin Sharp
Materials/Process – Collage, Screenprint
Date - October 1967
Design Essay/ Graphic design - Posters
Title – ‘The Yardbirds at the Filmore Auditorium’
Function – Poster promoting concert of
Psychedelic music, The Yardbirds at the Filmore
Auditorium in San Francisco in 1967
Graphic Designer – Bonnie MacLean
Materials/Process – Silkscreen print
Date - 1967
Title – The Who at Filmore East, New York’
Function – Poster promoting ‘The Who’ concert
Graphic Designer – Helen Hersh.
Materials/Process – Silkscreen Print
Date - 1968
Design Essay/ Graphic design - Posters
This silhouette cut-out by Marcel Duchamp was in the
back of my mind when I created the Dylan poster.
In addition to the Duchamp silhouette, the other significant
graphic element in this piece is the quality, shape, and
color of the hair.
In some ways these elements were influenced by my
interest in Islamic painting.
This particular piece is probably the most familiar of my
works, if only for the fact that nearly six million were
produced for enclosure in a Dylan album. One day a
French photographer visited the studio and told the
following story: He was on assignment traveling up the
Amazon and stopped in a village of about one hundred
Indians. He entered a hut and, as his eyes grew
accustomed to the darkness, he saw the Dylan poster on
the wall. He never was able to find out how it got there.
Title – ‘Dylan’
Function – Poster promoting a new
Bob Dylan Album. A copy of the poster
was included with the album.
Graphic Designer – Milton Glazer
Materials/Process – Screen Print
Date - 1967
Design Essay/ Graphic design - Posters
Title – ‘Anarchy In The U.K.’
Function – Poster promoting punk band
‘The Sex Pistols’ British tour
Graphic Designer – Jamie Reid
Materials/Process – Photocopied
Collage, Ink
Date - 1977
Design Essay/ Graphic design - Posters
The factory club nights were held in a bar which was in the middle
of an industrial estate.
At the time many factories in this area of Moss Side, Manchester
were closing down.
Peter Saville was asked to create a poster promoting this new club
night for new bands who were inspired by the punk movement.
Title – ‘The Factory’ Promotional Poster
Function – Poster promoting new music
venue ‘The Factory and gigs
Graphic Designer – Peter Saville
Materials/Process – Photocopied
Collage, Ink
Date - 1978
Higher + Int 2 exam preparation/Contemporary Design Research
To Do..
1. Choose a designer using library, internet, gallery visits.
2. Research relevant information about your chosen designer;
Born, College, Early career, Influences/Themes, Examples of work, Production of work.
3. Now write 10 points about your chosen designer.
4. Select one design they have made.
Make 10 clear points responding to design (like Question 1. of written exam).
Use the following information so you can answer Question 2 of the written exam.
Costume/Mask/Production designers
Richard Taylor – Lord of the Rings (films)
Jamie Hewlett – Monkey: Journey to the West (musical/opera)
Keywords for Internet search
Wikipedia
Richard Taylor Jamie Hewlett