Graphic Edition
Round designs may be coming to an end
I spend a lot of time getting design inspiration from non-web sources. Things like architecture, furniture, every day object, and cars. I have noticed that rounded edges is disappearing and is being replaced by a more rough and edgy look.
Not only that, but there are also a distinct notion towards a "squinting look" (as if you almost close your eyes to see). It is slightly curved lines, and never in a straight direction. Subtle but strong color variations - and with metals and stone.
At the same time there is a tendency to embrace comfort from within. Hard aggressive on the outside, and soft and stress-free inside.
It is a mix of the aggressive look with a soft pillow. Hard but comfortable - like a Jaguar.
I think what we are seeing is change in the overall design direction. We might be looking at more rough/soft period, to replace the current rounded designs we are seeing now. I am not exactly sure how this is going to reflect on the web, but I definitely think that a change is coming soon (if not already underway).
Comments
Thomas Baekdal - Jan. 31, 2007
Hi Andy,
Thanks for you comment. That was a very good explnation of the changes that we see - and I agree (maybe not about the Twingo... never really liked that one :o).
Jonathan - Feb. 7, 2007
What has fashion got to do with design?
Daniel Aleksandersen - Feb. 17, 2007
I liked many of the headlight designs. Especially the one with the red grid. I have only one problem with them... How on earth can you get something remotely inspired by them to look good on a Website!?
jim crack corn - Mar. 26, 2007
Where is your photo credits dude?
Thomas Baekdal - Mar. 26, 2007
Sorry, I cannot remember where all of them come from, but some of them is from SeriousWheels.com
(I will remember this in the future)
Published: Jan. 30, 2007 in Graphics
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Andy - Jan. 31, 2007
People want everything, and all at once. Everybody wants a Jaguar (for the comfort), everybody wants a Porsche (for the dynamic, sporty image and the speed), everybody wants a Hummer (to scare that slowfish in front into getting his backside off the passing lane). So it looks like the industry is simply trying to combine these virtues. Comfortable interior, sporty body shape, aggressive visual appearance.
Sadly, this also marks the end of the "openness" trend. Headlights and windows are getting smaller, and you quite well described the transition from an "open eye" design to a "squinting eye" successor. Instead of a friendly wave at others, it's like a suspicious look out of the corner of one's eye while making sure they notice the gun holster under the jacket. During most of the 90s, cars had either "baby-face" (many compact cars) or "feminine" (some French brands) front sections. Now we're seeing a trend away from "cute" and "chic" to a more macho-style approach. Big and powerful, and possibly dangerous - you don't want to mess with these.
Frankly, I don't like this trend. I prefer friendlyness (though often seen as weakness and vulnerability) and understatement (though often seen as lack of self-confidence). Hey, who knows... maybe my next car will be a mint-colored Twingo... just to be retro, meaning: "totally 90s" ;o)