1. The extent to which Whyte and Gibb differ depends on the aspect of the shopping area that they focus on. Broadly, Whyte evaluates cities as a whole, focusing more on pedestrian flow and observing how customers are pulled into stores by a window display, the entrance, and how second story stores attempt to attract customers. His focus is not very specific, although, he does address trash containers and makes mention of trees and benches. Additionally, Whyte observes the movement of people on a limited amount of walkway. Gibbs, however, focuses more on the downtown, "Main Street," evaluating how it can be successful, attracting people through appearance. He observes that the factors that attract customers the most is cleanliness and security. While Gibb observes downtown, he compares it to the success of a shopping mall. Whyte does not compare a city to the downtown area.
I think Whyte's analysis is more convincing, although it is difficult for me to follow. I think he address important and interesting concepts, especially the movement of the customers/pedestrians in the city. I thought his analysis of the width of the walkway was also very intriguing, and convincing. I am not convinced with Gibb's analysis after hearing students in class discuss the Novi shopping center, which he designed. Students said it was confusing, and I gathered that it is not well organized.
2. I am keen on observing human behavior in an urban area, especially where customers tend to stop and look at windows, what stores are most commonly entered, and the overall congestion of the location. It is interesting to observe what attracts people, and what does not attract them. These observations allow me to determine what designs works best and what works poorly. I am repelled by minute details, such as the type of light fixtures that are used, or the type of stone that is used. If the area is clean, and is functional, than it can be successful regardless of the stone or light fixtures.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
City - William Whyte
1. Whyte notes three key points, which he discusses throughout the chapter. These points include "buildings flush to the sidewalk, stores along the frontage, and doors and windows on the street." Throughout the chapter Whyte's main points focus on how the city can be most successful through functional means. For example, the city implemented heavier trash containers, due to the stealing problem. These trash cans were not the most ideal trash receptacles because the openings were very small. This problem was somewhat reduced by scavengers. However, the surface of the trash containers served as a table, a desk and a stand, among other things.
2. Whyte's ideas on design are primarily focused on function. This can be compared to Norman's concept of behavioral design. Whyte details the various functional aspects of the city -- second stories, walkways, trash containers, window shopping, and doorways/entrances.
Although, Whyte considers the function of doorways differently than Norman would. Whyte observed the difficulty of opening entrance/exist doors to Bloomingdale's, because it requires a lot of effort. However, he does not describe this difficulty as a design flaw like Norman would. Another area of design that Norman and Whyte disagree on is visual appeal. According to Norman, visual appeal is important because it needs to "wow" a potential customer. Whyte, however, feels that too much focus on the visual aspect would dispel customers. Streets, stores, trash cans, and other things cannot be too fancy because "too much good taste" will result in a "bland conformity."
3. Checklist for urban area evaluation:
2. Whyte's ideas on design are primarily focused on function. This can be compared to Norman's concept of behavioral design. Whyte details the various functional aspects of the city -- second stories, walkways, trash containers, window shopping, and doorways/entrances.
Although, Whyte considers the function of doorways differently than Norman would. Whyte observed the difficulty of opening entrance/exist doors to Bloomingdale's, because it requires a lot of effort. However, he does not describe this difficulty as a design flaw like Norman would. Another area of design that Norman and Whyte disagree on is visual appeal. According to Norman, visual appeal is important because it needs to "wow" a potential customer. Whyte, however, feels that too much focus on the visual aspect would dispel customers. Streets, stores, trash cans, and other things cannot be too fancy because "too much good taste" will result in a "bland conformity."
3. Checklist for urban area evaluation:
- Flow of pedestrians
- Mixture of stores
- Cleanliness
- Location of trash receptacles in respect to food vendors
- Street signs
- Obstructions in the walkway or store entrance -- signs, trees, benches
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Steven Lagerfeld
List the criteria Robert Gibbs uses to evaluate a Main Street
1. Gibbs evaluates Main Street by observing the mall management and looking at the generators (like a gym). Another important aspect of Main Street is the appeal to local entrepreneurs that rent spaces (known as incubators). These three aspects are all considered to be in Main Street's favor. When Gibbs evaluated Main Street, he examined the placement of trees, planter boxes, and benches. He explained that these items either cover signs or they instigate loitering. Things like expensive streetlamps, trash cans, and fancy stone for the street/walkway are nothing more than money wasters, since the items simply become dilapidated over time which will look out of date. Instead, Gibb says that focus should be more on up keep, rather than fanciness. Potential customers are drawn to cleanliness in the civic realm. The realm should also be free of crime, which will be promote by visible security as to reassure the safety to customers.
When Gibb evaluates store fronts he focuses on size and signs. He has observed that small window displays typically display more expensive items whereas bigger window displays display less expensive items. In addition, Gibb observed that a store is more appealing to potential customers if the signs indicate well-known brand names. Visible brand names give a store credentials. The length of a vista is also important, as it should draw the customer to the merchandise. Additionally, he discusses the straight streets are the primarily handicap to most shopping centers because it prohibits customers from viewing the store fronts a majority of the time. Even the placement of restaurants in relation to clothing stores is important. If a restaurant is placed too close in proximity to a clothing store, it is repels customers because they find the smell unappealing.
Think critically of Gibbs’ argument. Do you think “Main Street” should be a mall?
2. The intention of Main Street is important because changing it into a mall will give it a completely new feel. Shopping malls are typically goal oriented towards visiting numerous stores for large amounts of shopping. I feel that Main Street should remain what it is currently because it will lose its relaxed and casual feel of community and retail diversity.
Make your own checklist to judge a Main Street. What things do you think are important?
3. My judgement of Main Street would be based on cleanliness and order. I think including park benches in a shopping area is important because I read in an article from class that stores we actually more successful because they had numerous park benches. I would also judge the appearance on a store's window displays and my appeal to enter a store based on them. I think simple, yet detailed window displays are important. If too much is in a window display, the store gives off the feeling that it is cluttered and disorderly.
When Gibb evaluates store fronts he focuses on size and signs. He has observed that small window displays typically display more expensive items whereas bigger window displays display less expensive items. In addition, Gibb observed that a store is more appealing to potential customers if the signs indicate well-known brand names. Visible brand names give a store credentials. The length of a vista is also important, as it should draw the customer to the merchandise. Additionally, he discusses the straight streets are the primarily handicap to most shopping centers because it prohibits customers from viewing the store fronts a majority of the time. Even the placement of restaurants in relation to clothing stores is important. If a restaurant is placed too close in proximity to a clothing store, it is repels customers because they find the smell unappealing.
Think critically of Gibbs’ argument. Do you think “Main Street” should be a mall?
2. The intention of Main Street is important because changing it into a mall will give it a completely new feel. Shopping malls are typically goal oriented towards visiting numerous stores for large amounts of shopping. I feel that Main Street should remain what it is currently because it will lose its relaxed and casual feel of community and retail diversity.
Make your own checklist to judge a Main Street. What things do you think are important?
3. My judgement of Main Street would be based on cleanliness and order. I think including park benches in a shopping area is important because I read in an article from class that stores we actually more successful because they had numerous park benches. I would also judge the appearance on a store's window displays and my appeal to enter a store based on them. I think simple, yet detailed window displays are important. If too much is in a window display, the store gives off the feeling that it is cluttered and disorderly.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Retail Analysis
1. I observed Gap, Inc -- a popular clothing and accessory retail store that targets both men and women, including children. This brand usually appeals to the crowd ranging from 16 years to early 30s, marketing to parent's as well.
2. The entrance to Gap is surrounded by two, large, floor to ceiling glass windows. Looking through the windows, the store looks clean, well-lit, and simple.
Every customer is welcomed by subtle background music, ranging from alternative rock to upbeat faster paced music. The store does not play a specific type of music, instead the store tends to play the most current music popular among the younger crowd.
The first main display is located front and center, featuring "The Most Wanted; New + Now" The women's section is located on the right side of the store and the men's section is located on the right side of the store. Clothing is dispersed throughout either side. Jeans are either laid out on the table/counters or stack against the wall. Some sweaters are nicely folded on circular tables, but blouses and jackets are hung up on the rack.
Pine colored wood flooring runs through the whole store, even in the changing rooms.
Various sign emphasize gap's jean selection. One sign reads '1969' printed in large font. Another sign at the entrance read 'Super Tuesday' advertising the gap member card which offered a discount on Tuesdays.
The cashier area is located at the end of the store.
3. Gap, Inc. hopes to project a shopiscated, yet playful image. Their clothing is clean-cut, simple, and stylish. Their image is apparant to me because of the pictures and the design of the store. The models are youthful. Throughout the store three colors are most common: the color of pine wood, white, black, and silver (to mimic the appearance of metal). The simplicity of the store's set up is reflected in the image and the clothing.
4. Customers most commonly looked at the items that were hung up first. Other customers tended to direct their attention to the sales rack. While I was observing the store not many customers were present.
5. The store's design was interesting because it lacked organization. Knit tops were mingled with t-shirts and pants. I observed that there was too much to focus on in one area of the store. It was difficult to direct my attention toward one clothing piece to determine if I really liked it because I was easily distracted by another clothing piece.
2. The entrance to Gap is surrounded by two, large, floor to ceiling glass windows. Looking through the windows, the store looks clean, well-lit, and simple.
Every customer is welcomed by subtle background music, ranging from alternative rock to upbeat faster paced music. The store does not play a specific type of music, instead the store tends to play the most current music popular among the younger crowd.
The first main display is located front and center, featuring "The Most Wanted; New + Now" The women's section is located on the right side of the store and the men's section is located on the right side of the store. Clothing is dispersed throughout either side. Jeans are either laid out on the table/counters or stack against the wall. Some sweaters are nicely folded on circular tables, but blouses and jackets are hung up on the rack.
Pine colored wood flooring runs through the whole store, even in the changing rooms.
Various sign emphasize gap's jean selection. One sign reads '1969' printed in large font. Another sign at the entrance read 'Super Tuesday' advertising the gap member card which offered a discount on Tuesdays.
The cashier area is located at the end of the store.
3. Gap, Inc. hopes to project a shopiscated, yet playful image. Their clothing is clean-cut, simple, and stylish. Their image is apparant to me because of the pictures and the design of the store. The models are youthful. Throughout the store three colors are most common: the color of pine wood, white, black, and silver (to mimic the appearance of metal). The simplicity of the store's set up is reflected in the image and the clothing.
4. Customers most commonly looked at the items that were hung up first. Other customers tended to direct their attention to the sales rack. While I was observing the store not many customers were present.
5. The store's design was interesting because it lacked organization. Knit tops were mingled with t-shirts and pants. I observed that there was too much to focus on in one area of the store. It was difficult to direct my attention toward one clothing piece to determine if I really liked it because I was easily distracted by another clothing piece.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Egg Project
Designing, building, and testing our egg container.
Christina and I had no idea how to design, or build our egg container. Students who have done this type of project before gave us insight, as well as input along the way. Christina figured that layering smaller containers inside of bigger containers to protect the egg more. In the end we only used two containers, rather than three or more.
We began by cutting a water jug in half, using the bottom half as our base. Then we placed cotton balls on the bottom and layered it with a piece of cardboard. Christina created our tiny egg container by cutting two water bottles in have, and then layer them inside one another with the egg. The egg container was taped shut so that it would hold together. In the mean time, I used tissue paper, more cotton balls, and paper towel to create more padding so that the egg container would be nestled inside of the jug and padding.
Then we had the wonderful idea to create a parachute. We poked two holes into the jug, and double bagged two plastic bags (placing one inside of the other) taping the handles together. We had no way of connecting the bag to the jug until we thought of using hair ties. We attached the bag to the jug, but Christina pointed out that the parachute covered to much of the jug. I picked up a garbage from my room, which we ended up using as our parachute. The corners of the garbage bag were taped and then whole punched. Taping the corners with masking tape prevented the bag from ripping. We connected the hair ties with a rolled up piece of tape at each end. The tape was tied to the bag and then to the jug in four locations.
We tested the container about five times without the egg in it. After several trail runs, we were happy with the results and concluded by placing the egg into our padded container and taping a final piece of cardboard over the top of it.
Testing the egg during class was really successful. The parachute worked great! The container landed nicely the first and second time it was dropped. I was a little nervous about our parachute, at first, because it was a little windy outside.
http://christina2014.blogspot.com/
Christina and I had no idea how to design, or build our egg container. Students who have done this type of project before gave us insight, as well as input along the way. Christina figured that layering smaller containers inside of bigger containers to protect the egg more. In the end we only used two containers, rather than three or more.
We began by cutting a water jug in half, using the bottom half as our base. Then we placed cotton balls on the bottom and layered it with a piece of cardboard. Christina created our tiny egg container by cutting two water bottles in have, and then layer them inside one another with the egg. The egg container was taped shut so that it would hold together. In the mean time, I used tissue paper, more cotton balls, and paper towel to create more padding so that the egg container would be nestled inside of the jug and padding.
Then we had the wonderful idea to create a parachute. We poked two holes into the jug, and double bagged two plastic bags (placing one inside of the other) taping the handles together. We had no way of connecting the bag to the jug until we thought of using hair ties. We attached the bag to the jug, but Christina pointed out that the parachute covered to much of the jug. I picked up a garbage from my room, which we ended up using as our parachute. The corners of the garbage bag were taped and then whole punched. Taping the corners with masking tape prevented the bag from ripping. We connected the hair ties with a rolled up piece of tape at each end. The tape was tied to the bag and then to the jug in four locations.
We tested the container about five times without the egg in it. After several trail runs, we were happy with the results and concluded by placing the egg into our padded container and taping a final piece of cardboard over the top of it.
Testing the egg during class was really successful. The parachute worked great! The container landed nicely the first and second time it was dropped. I was a little nervous about our parachute, at first, because it was a little windy outside.
http://christina2014.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
"The Science of Shopping" Malcolm Gladwell
1. Gladwell addresses the idea that human behavior in retail can be analyzed in several ways and be used as the seller's advantage. Therefore, the design of a retail store matters just as much as the design of the product it is selling. Anyalsizing the behavior of what people want to shop for is necessary information to set up a store accordingly. If the retail store wants to sell their product they will do so in any way possible. For example, the Polo Ralph Lauren is set up to mimic a men's club creating the kind of atmosphere that the brand has interest in conveying to appeal to certain customers.
2. I am influenced by a store's design in so much as I am more willing and interested in entering a store if it is organized, simple, but also appeals to my taste. A store's design, on the other hand, does not influence whether I to buy or not to buy.
3. My checklist would include the following:
2. I am influenced by a store's design in so much as I am more willing and interested in entering a store if it is organized, simple, but also appeals to my taste. A store's design, on the other hand, does not influence whether I to buy or not to buy.
3. My checklist would include the following:
- Amount of clutter
- Simplicity
- Organization
- Variety
- Color
- Spaciousness
- Atmosphere (is it to my liking)
- Employees politeness, friendliness and helpfulness.
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