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Welcome to the Aesthetics of Design Website. This site displays student work in the Aesthetics of Design class at CU Boulder. This site serves as an archive for past student projects, and for current students to develop their portfolio and documenting skills.

This year’s ninth post, the Top 5 Specs and Constraints. This post considers the most important specifications (hopefully including the desired aesthetic!) that the artifact will fulfill, and the top five constraints that the students face in achieving their artifact.

Post 9: Top 5 Specifications, Top 5 Constraints- Ari Matrajt

For my kitchen tool project, the top five specifications I prioritize revolve around functionality, usability, aesthetics, and durability. Firstly, interchangeability is a must. The ability to switch between different utensil heads, such as a spatula to a spoon or a fork, adds versatility and convenience to the tool, making it useful in many cooking tasks…

Alexander Calder Style Kinetic Sculpture: Top 5 Specifications and Constraints

As I’ve stated in my previous posts about my final project I plan to make an Alexander Calder inspired kinetic sculpture. I’m trying to create a mobile that looks weightless. One of the main specifications that I’m aiming for is the visual appearance of the sculpture appearing to defy gravity; this specification is going to…

Specifications and Constraints: Cargo Kite

Specs: Large/Heavy-Lift, Rigid, Stable in Flight, Minimalist but Interesting, Unthreatening but Visible Constraints: TIME, man all those materials were expensive, Shop Availability, Sewing Ability, Headspace? One of the biggest goals of this design is to be large! This comes from both its ultimate purpose – being a kite that lifts things – and from my…

Mid-Century Modern Xylophone: Top 5 Specifications, Constraints

My final project is to create a small, box-resonated xylophone in the mid-century modern style. While my main focus on this project is the aesthetic, I would also like this to be a playable instrument. Here are some of my most important specifications and biggest constraints. Specifications Aesthetic This one is pretty obvious. This project…

Specs & Constraints – Dynamic Welded Sculpture

As I delve deeper into the world of kinetic sculpture, I’m constantly reminded of the delicate dance between inspiration and constraint. In this follow-up post, I’ll outline the top 5 specifications driving my project forward and the top 5 constraints challenging its execution. Top 5 Specifications: Minimalist Aesthetic: Inspired by the philosophy of ‘What you…

Driftwood Light – Specifications and Constraints

As I move forward with the idea of making driftwood light, there are constraints as well as specifications that signify success in the production of the product. To signify that the driftwood light is a success, I consider the following specifications: 1. Aesthetic Appeal: The light should have a visually appealing design that effectively combines…

Post 9: NeuMouse Requirements and Restrictions

Recap: I am designing a computer mouse in the style of ‘neumorphism’. Neumorphism is an aesthetic commonly used in modern UI’s which originates from skeumorphism and glassmorphism. It is characterized by rounded shapes which appear to protrude and fade into a background of a similar shade and color. Typical color schemes contain neon/pastel blues and…

Post 9: Top 5 specifications, top 5 constraints

For my final project I am still on course for creating a Viking aesthetic wood carving electric guitar. The main project entails the creation of a bespoke electric guitar entirely crafted from wood, including the body, neck, and fretboard. Embracing a natural aesthetic, the guitar will feature hand-carved wooden embellishments inspired by elements of the…

Top 5 specifications, top 5 constraints : Programmable LED Display

Top 5 Specifications for a Programmable LED Display with a Wood Frame Functionality: The core of this project is to build a programmable LED display that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also versatile in its application. The functionality encompasses the ability to display various patterns, animations, and potentially interactive content. This includes the possibility…

Specifications and Constraints – Fountain Birdbath

For my final project, I will be creating a concrete fountain birdbath. My top five design specifications are a clean, professional-looking finish, a final product that contributes to a cottagecore aesthetic, strength and durability, a calming water feature, and sound materials used to create the birdbath. 1. Clean and Professional Finish This specification is first…