#CCDN271 #Assign1

New Zealand by Design
A History of New Zealand Product Design
Michael Smythe
A GODWIT BOOK published by Random House New Zealand
18 Poland Road, Glenfield, Auckland, New Zealand
First Published 2011

We are lucky to be living on these two Islands with the unique circumstances they have been colonized. This book is a great resource not only in form + function but also more important information such as the objects time, context and relevance.

Countries trade culture as a way showing co-operation. I think this is a positive relationship and benefits both parties involved, if both parts are played. With the connections that are made through social media, networking, blogging etc. you are able to comprehend how capable people are to do their own thing.

This book goes into and through the roles, influences and creations that spurred the history of product design here in New Zealand. I feel as someone from New Zealand we have our own unique and often very useable approach to the life we make for ourselves. As the nation developed along with us we have brought a do-it-yourself attitude. This is most likely the result of how far away we were from all the action. This distance spawned many innovative and inspirational ideas and really highlights the importance of shaping and developing ones culture.

In the increasing importance of sustainability, New Zealand is in prime position to put this to practice and should be a world leader. We claim to be a clean, green nation and we should help show the rest of the world how to follow suit.

I enjoy how this book opens up a lot of connections that design makes. It shows how innovation can come through interest. It involves all aspects of life, from the past to the present and most likely will help direct the future. It will be useful as a starting point of research.

“TO ALL NEW ZEALAND DESIGNERS
WHO HAVE THOUGHT THROUGH THEIR
HANDS AND FOR THEMSELVES TO
ENHANCE THE LIVES OF OTHERS”
- note from author, Michael Smythe.

Sustainability, rooted from Romanticism? (test post)

http://www.lamondaine.net/2010/03/19/green-green-green/

This is a blog a friend of mine showed me. I like the display of new found control over nature. It brings "a breath of fresh air" to the future's possible course in the role of design.