mind map

I have just finished reading "The Tipping Point" by Malcom Gladwell. "How little things can make a big difference" This book was recommended reading as part of our design studies lectures in uni. The book is essentially about tipping points in live - points in which an epidemic takes a turn, begins or grows. Gladwell uses many examples to explain and exagerate the different aspects of tipping points. Whilst reading the book i found myself looking at points in my everyday life and design work that are tipping points giving me a new perspective on how simple things can have a dramatic impact and influence on our design work and our lives. Malcolms use of examples of such epidemics in the past helps to see how we can apply this to our lives now and in the future. So often we think that our designs become known by being in the right place at the right time with the right design but this book has made me realise that this is not always the case.



I have drawn up a mind map in more detail of the "power of context" chapter from The Tipping Point. This really interested me after my thoughts about being in the right place atr the right time. Our environment and surroundings have a massive impact on our lives and therefore our designs. Changes in our lives effect our designs - this can be for the good or bad. Gladwell uses many examples to explain this such as live in a prison cell and how this impacts a person. The people we interact with also effects our lives greatly, this is something we are not always aware of. The kind of poele who we socialise with can change our personalities and outlook on life - we have sensitive characters. We often think that this only relates to children but this is not the case. Our tendencies and habits are very changable - this is something i feel is important when designing. We can sometimes have a narrow outlook on our work, but if we interact with the right people, those from different fields of design our opportunities can become endless!