Design Is Everywhere

To many individuals who are not aware of design's presence in everyday life, they may think that design can only be found in fancy museums or studios where professional designers work their magic. However, if one takes the time to really observe his or her surroundings, he or she will be amazed at the realization that design is unmistakably everywhere.

Simply look around; you will undoubtedly come across at least one object designed by the human mind. The object could be a ceramic mug, a spiral bound notebook, a clock on the wall, or the cemented floor under your feet. We often take these designed items for granted, never really appreciating how each and every one of them are made or how they make our lives easier. Just imagine one day without all the designed goods we own - no computers, no televisions, no lights, no homes, no cars, no clothes, etc. What kind of life would we have without design?

My answer to this question is "no life at all." Without the existing designs of our world, our lives would be extremely restricted. I came to realize this fact after traveling across the Bay Bridge this past weekend for a home visit. If it were not for the amazing architects (as well as the financial support from President Herbert Hoover) who constructed an 8-mile long structure from San Francisco to Oakland, closing the ocean gap separating the two great cities, the desire to visit home after two tiring weeks of college studies would not have been fulfilled.

*Photo taken by Mandy Chew

Surely, thanks to the Bay Bridge - or rather the design of the Bay Bridge and others alike - UC Davis students who grew up in the San Francisco area can now visit home without fearing seasickness on ferries.