Graphing Outside the Box...

These are graphs we've made based upon the data compiled so far in our blog. The graphs consist of significant events that occured in conjunction with a certain innovative design or invention that transpired from the 1980's and onward. There is also the inclusion of a timeline summarizing what was changing or beginning to evolve at the time, as well as driving factors of the decade and pictures to display a visual example of change during the given time period.


1980's graph PDF

1990's graph PDF


2000's graph PDF


Posted By: Rob Goodman

Canola Oil, the "Better" Oil

Beginning in the early 90’s, Canola oil became a face product for what was known as the low-fat food craze.

Canola oil, the name actually derived from a mixture of the words Canada, oil, low and acid, comes from the rape seed. Although originally rapeseed oil was considered inedible due to its high euric acid content, and was originally used in lamps and for lubrication purposes, the rapeseed was eventually bred to a point where the euric acid was reduced to a very low non-harmful level.

Beginning in the 80’s and culminating in the early 90’s, the health benefits of Canola oil became rather publicized and the product proved very popular at a time when losing weight and staying in shape was key to consumers. Canola oil boasts a very low saturated and high monounsaturated fat content, as well as having omega-3 fatty acids which promote heart health.
Oppositely, there are many that believe Canola oil to be harmful to the heart rather than helpful as it is believed by some that the euric acid content of Canola is indeed actually harmful to the heart. However, these allegations have been discredited by numerous health institutions and studies.

In 1995 the first crop of Canola oil was genetically engineered to be resistant to herbicide; followed in 1998 when crops of Canola oil were genetic engineered to be disease and drought resistant. This has caused controversy in some parts of the world for various ethical and economic reasons.

Regardless of such controversy, Canola oil remains one of the biggest selling oils today. In 2000, it was the world’s 3rd leading source in oil. Today it is categorized as having one of the biggest selling genetically-modified crops with 80% of being genetically modified. These numbers cement the status of Canola oil as a health beneficial food product.

Posted By: Rob Goodman

Sources:

Barthet, V. (2009). Canola. The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved October 25, 2009 from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0001356

No Author. (2007). What is Canola? A problem with weeds—the canola story. Retrieved October 25, 2009 from http://www.biotechnologyonline.gov.au/foodag/weeds.html

No Author. (2007). Canola Facts: Why Growers Choose GM Canola. Canola Council of Canada. Retrieved October 25, 2009 from http://www.canola-council.org/facts_gmo.aspx.

Image retrieved October 27, 2009 from http://vinniey.wordpress.com/2006/10/22/good-oils-for-good-health/.

Architecture Goes Green

A new trend seen in the 21st century for Architecture is "green architecture" which is founded in the new "green movement" of this century. This architecture was birthed from the new hype for being environmentally friendly and "green" in today's society. Green building is environmentally friendly, economically conscious, energy saving, and cost-effective. It focuses on efficiently using the earth's resources while reducing the building impact on the environment around it.

Older trends have been coupled with new technology to create home environments which are environmentally friendly and green while at the same time still withholding the same popular trends in the home industry.

There are many aspects of these new Green buildings. New cooling and heating systems have been developed to create more efficient and eco-friendly systems. Daylight is key to these buildings. New "smar" windows have been invented to control the daylight with glass that turns from clear to opaque for control of light and privacy.

These builidings use all of the latest technology; from voice-activation controllers for every aspect of the house to weather sensors on the outside to control the opening and closing of windows. These houses are essentially completely computer controlled, cutting down on resources needed for older housing methods.

Another aspect of this new architecture is the shift towards eco-friendly resources made from natural substances in contrast to the usual completely man-made and chemically created resources. This is coupled with wind and solar energy which will essentially be running every aspect of the house.

New advancements and innovations are still being refined and discovered presently and much is to be expected in the years to come and researchers and scientists develop even newer and better ways to create Green buildings.

Posted By: Kylie Graham


Sources:

Green Architecture in the 21st Century (2009). Retrieved October 26, 2009 from http://www.reddawn.com/featart11.html

Image Retrieved October 26, 2009 from kodokloncatz.co.cc/anggitadwiyani/?p=23

Air Travel Like Never Before

Innovations in the airline industry for the 21st century have focused on cutting costs and making the travel experience for the client for convenient and personalized. The drop in the economy this century in addition to the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 have greatly impacted the airline industry. With people unable to spend as much on travel coupled with a drop in desirability of flying have pushed the industry to focus on how to attract customers again in this new setting. Airlines are facing increasing fuel costs, government regulatory and security issues, major changes in the competitive architecture of the industry, as well as shifts in consumer travel behavior.

The industry has moved from focusing on the "process" of traveling, such as reservations, ticketing, and payment management, to focusing on "the people." Airlines are now catering to the passenger due to huge shifts in moods of society and the world around.

The first attempt at creating an easier and more convenient traveling experience began with JetBlue in 2001. But even newer developments have taken form with Design Q. This is a new design and idea created by a British design company. This company has been working on plans for airplane seating layout, in 2009, in which the seats are staggered and facing eachother running vertically down the planes interior. This design is a cost-cutting option for airlines that wish to fit more seats while creating a more efficient flying experience.

This design has been created for shorter, more frequently used flights in which the flight cost can be cut dramatically while still increasing the number of passengers.

Airlines are facing huge pressures and are attempting to combat many new issues raised in this century resulting in a shift in focues for airlines

Posted By: Kylie Graham

Sources:

Chaudhuri, Saabira. "The Future of Air Travel." Fast Company (2007). September 2007. Retrieved October 25, 2009 from http://www.fastcompany.com/articles/2007/09/buckman.html

Jaunted.com (2009). Retrieved October 25, 2009 from http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/9/8/134423/0616/travel/New+Airplane+Design+Proposes+Seating+Passengers+Face-To-Face

Active Packaging: It's Alive!

For the past few decades, scientists have been working to counteract the fact that foods are alive, biological substances that age and eventually die. The idea of preserving and extending the shelf life of food has been modified and re-modified many times over and only now with the recent introduction of "active packaging" has sufficient technology come to the forefront in order to address this issue.

This technology first began with controlled and modified storage of food and perishables in the form of storage rooms, transport containers and retail food packages that have a controlled atmosphere. A "controlled atmosphere" refers to the monitoring and controlling of gaseous compositions.

Active packaging is composed of packaging material that can control the environment that the food is residing in by interacting correctly, in a positive way, with the gases the food gives off. Gases are added or removed to the atmosphere of the package depending on what is residing in the package. This helps in the preservation of food and perishables as well as their shelf-life.

Reportedly, "active packaging" technology was utilized by 2.7 billion packages in 2001 in the U.S alone. In 2002, it was expected to be utilized in 7 billion packages by 2006. In 2007, demand for "active packaging" was projected to climb 13% by 2011. If these numbers hold, it's clear that "active packaging" is revolutionizing the the packaging industry as we know it.

Posted by: Kylie Graham

Sources:
CSIRO Food and Nutritional Sciences (2009). Retrieved from http://www.foodscience.afisc.csiro.au/actpac.htm

No Author. (2007). U.S. Demand for Active Packaging on the Rise. Label and Narrow Web. Retrieved from http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-171029968.html

Image retrieved October 26, 2009 from http://www.acpk.com/

Surgery...from a Robot

The 21st century ushered in a new era that has revolutionized the world of medicine and surgeries. It began with robotic surgeries which were performed by robots while a surgeon controlled them from a chair across the room.

Not only was the tremor of the human hand erased by the steady ease of the robot machine, but surgeons were also not as easily tired by being allowed to sit down while performing. The robots allow surgeons to perform complex maneuvers that can be awkward and hard to reach allowing for less error margins and better precision.

Advancements in robotic surgery has led to telesurgeries in which surgeries can now be performed across the world. The first one was performed in 2001 from a doctor who was physically in New York, but was able to remove the gallbladder of a woman in Paris, France. This new development will revolutionize the world as we know it.

Since then, several prototypes have been implemented to perform surgeries, such as "Penelope," which assisted with its first human surgery in 2005. Patients can be protected from harmful viruses by having surgeries in which only robots are present. Also, patients can be operated on from across the world, allowing them to recover very near to their homes.

Posted by: Kylie Graham

Sources:
Military.com (2009). Retrieved October 21, 2009 from
http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,97023,00.html

Encyclopedia of Surgery (2009). Retrieved October 21, 2009 from http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/St-Wr/Telesurgery.html

Image retrieved October 26, 2009 from http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/79286/

Ford's "Kinetic" Design

In 2004, Ford Motor Company began to experiment with a new design concept that became known as “kinetic design.”

The main principle of kinetic design is to make lines on the car that make it feel “athletic, dynamic and in shortness, make it look like its moving even when it’s standing still.” Kinetic is literally defined as “energy in motion” and Ford very much wanted to make their cars looks as if they are moving forward and in a constant state of evolution. Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s executive design director, stated that Europeans wanted a Ford that showed emotion and a sense of refinement, rather than something that looked lifeless and cartoonish.

With this in mind, designer’s formulated the SAV in 2005, the first concept car to display the kinetic design aesthetic. Since then they’ve created kinetic features on most of their European models, such as the Ka and the Focus.

At this point, the question Ford faces the most is will kinetic design translate to American car-buyers? In 2005, Peter Horbury, the Executive Director of Ford North American Design, stated that “kinetic design DNA doesn't mean the same thing to buyers in this market, so it won't resonate the same way.” Horbury further acknowledged that while many Americans are of varied cultures and have different values, they still tend to share the same universal idea about life. They don’t enjoy the quite, but rather they prefer directness and action. Therefore, he believes Americans would prefer a bolder, structured design, something loud and flashy rather than sleek and refined.

Whether or not Americans will embrace or reject kinetic design still remains to be seen, since U.S audiences only recently at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show got their first look at the Ford Verve, a kinetic designed sedan planned to go to market in Europe and Asia by 2009 and in America by 2010.

Ford currently believes that Americans are looking for “technology, design and fuel efficiency.” The smaller, economical, European kinetic design is their answer.



Posted By: Rob Goodman

Sources:

No Author. (2009). Ford Kinetic Design. Ford of Britain. Retrieved from http://www.ford.co.uk/Cars/KineticDesign/mdp=v1204941954768

Abuelsamid, Sam. (2008) Detroit 2008: Ford Verve Sedan concept brings "Kinetic design" to the U.S. for the first time. Auto Blog Green. Retrieved from http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-ford-verve-sedan-concept/#.

Image retrieved from http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-ford-verve-sedan-concept/#.

Ford's "New Edge" Design

Starting in the mid 1990’s and continuing into the first half of the next century, the Ford Motor Company , looking to create something new and exciting that would also be favorable to their production needs, created an innovative styling technique known as “new edge.”

The basis for this name came from the use of adding sharp angled lines, arcs, and curves on a vehicles body surface that collided with one another to create the effect of highlighting and shadow. Not only was this technique aesthetically pleasing, but because the parts of the body were assembled by piece to create such lines in the design, it made it more labor easy and cost effective to produce. Ford initially utilized the styling technique in several of their concept cars which never fully came to fruition, such as the GT90 in 1995. However, the design was first publicly featured and produced in Europe with such models as the Ford Ka in 1996, and most notably the Ford Focus in 1998. In 1999, the Ford Mustang’s 4th generation pony car became the first North American vehicle to feature the new edge design, followed shortly by the introduction of the Ford Focus into the North American market in 2000.

Although other popular Ford vehicles followed suit by having particular new design elements added to them, Ford has yet to produce another fully new edge designed vehicle since they switched gears to the new “kinetic” styling technique.


Posted By: Rob Goodman

Sources:

Krebs, Michelle. (1997). New Designer To Take a Seat at Ford’s Drawing Board. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/28/automobiles/new-designer-to-take-a-seat-at-ford-s-drawing-board.html.

Winter, Drew. (1998). Living on the Edge: New Ford styling trend isn’t too tough, stampers say. Ward’s Auto World. Retrieved from http://wardsautoworld.com/ar/auto_living_edge_new/.

Image retrieved from http://www.carprices.co.uk/models/Ford/fordfocus

DVD Technology

DVD, which alternately means Digital Video Disk or Digital Versatile Disk, was founded in 1995 as a successor to the Video Home System (VHS), and in some respects the Compact Disc (CD). In 1993, two different formats at the time, the Multimedia Compact Disc (MMCD) and the Super Density (SD) disk, were being poised against each other to overcome the VHS format. With companies such as Sony and Toshiba separating themselves on which formats to support and produce, a war similar to that between VHS and Betamax years prior was beginning to ensue, and computer companies such as Apple and IBM began to take notice. In an effort to end a similar dispute from reoccurring, Computer software companies joined together to boycott the industry, stating they would not use either formats being produced by the companies unless they were able to come up with one single one. Both sides agreed to make one single format, and from this the DVD. In 1997, DVD video was finally mass marketed to the United States as a high quality alternative to VHS.

The DVD, in comparison to the VHS or the CD, is an optical format able to hold extensive amounts of data, such as a feature length film, because it uses a 650 nm laser diode as opposed to the 780 nm of a CD, allowing for greater capacity. Also, the DVD is able to record on dual layers, meaning information can be recorded to either side of the disc. DVD, especially in comparison to VHS, also provides better sound and picture quality that doesn’t fade. Other options include language selection, cutting to scenes, bonus features, and multi-angle selection, all of which VHS has never been able to provide in one single package.

Throughout the years as DVD players have become smaller and less costly to produce due to their growing popularity, they’ve also begun to overtake the rental and sales of VHS as early as 2003. The DVD format has gained the status of being a standard, yet its staying power remains to be seen as the emergence of more advance high-definition formats in the market, such as the Blu-Ray disc in 2006, are gaining momentum.


Posted By: Rob Goodman

Sources:

Bakalis, Anna. (2003). It’s Unreel: DVD Rentals Overtake Video Casettes. The Washington Times. Retrieved from http://washingtontimes.com/news/2003/jun/20/20030620-113258-1104r/?page=2.

Wempen, Faithe. (2001). Build Your Skills: A Comparison Between DVD and CD-Rom. Tech Republic. Retrieved from http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-1047035.html.

Markoff, John. (1995). Business Technology; a Battle for Influence Over Insatiable Disks. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/1995/01/11/business/business-technology-a-battle-for-influence-over-insatiable-disks.html.

Image retrieved from http://www.vidcam.com.au/copy/index.html.

Technology. (n.d.). DVD Forum. Retrieved from http://www.dvdforum.org/forum.shtml

The Prius: Car of the 21st Century

The production of Toyota’s Prius went global in 2000 with the introduction of this seemingly-minute car into American markets. And America didn’t realize the impact it would have on society.

The Prius was created and designed specifically to be the icon car of the 21st Century and Green Movement. It was predestined to stand for specific ideals and social statements. This car is not simply a transport vehicle; it is now used to represent the individual that drives it. This exemplifies an undercurrent of the 21st century culture; how items can represent different ideas and beliefs the consumer stands for or feels strongly about.

The Prius represents much through its physical structure. Such as the future, through its sleek and innovative body while also representing the great leaps mankind has made to help preserve the environment. This alternative method of power has made a great statement to society; illustrating how even a means of transportation can help to reduce stress on the earth and precious resources.

The Prius has been a huge success and has begun a new off-shoot industry composed of fuel-efficient and alternatively powered vehicles.

Posted By: Kylie Graham


Sources:

Kaho, Todd, (2007). Decade of the Toyota Prius Hybrid. GreenCar, Retrieved from http://www.greencar.com/articles/decade-toyota-prius-hybrid.php

Image retrieved October 8, 2009 from http://www.greencar.com/articles/decade-toyota-prius-hybrid.php

Customization of the New Millennium

The beginning of the new millennium ushered in the best and brightest in technology, fashion and consumerism. The birth of the Nikon Coolpix 900 followed by PayPal and Napster paved the way for this new era where customization and individuality stand in the limelight. Nike introduced their first customized shoe, echoing the theme found throughout the culture during this time. A brand new chapter opened in the food industry began in the emerging market of alternative beverages. The popularity of these new age, premium drinks exemplifies the desire for diversification and alternative drink options.

These examples illustrate the shift seen in American consumerism over the obsession of items centered around the individual. How items can be altered and created to produce an end product that can be unique and exclusive to the individual became extremely important to the producer of specific products.

Posted By: Kylie Graham


Sources:

(2000 December 18). The Best & Worst 2000: Arts. Time, 156(25), Retrieved October 7, 2009 from http://ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu:2055/scripts/wsuall.pl?url=http://ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu:2077/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=3853332&site=ehost-live

Eisenberg, D, & McKenna, C. (18 December 2000). A New-Age Drink War Starts as Soda Flops. Time, 156(25), Retrieved October 7, 2009 from http://ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu:2055/scripts/wsuall.pl?url=http://ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu:2077/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=3853316&site=ehost-live

Image retrieved October 8, 2009 from http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pines/2113/nikon.htm

Designer Champagne

The popularity and sales of more original and unique champagnes rose starting in the year 2000 stemming from consumers desiring individuality and distinctiveness. Sales for champagne from smaller, private vineyards increased in direct contrast to the usual popularity of bigger, more commercial champagne houses. Connoisseurs began looking for champagnes that were distinct and captured individual tastes obtained from specific vineyards and grapes. Also, the fact that these “designer” champagnes are limited adds to their appeal, putting them in higher demand.
This new development early in the century seems to mirror the new, emerging American taste for uniqueness and individuality echoed in other areas of consumerism.


Posted By: Kylie Graham

Sources:

Kapnick, Sharon. (2000 December 18). Grower Champagnes. Time, 156(25), Retrieved October 7, 2009 from http://ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu:2055/scripts/wsuall.pl?url=http://ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu:2077/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=3853258&site=ehost-live

Gracemagazine Magazine. (2007). Champagne and Other Bubbly. Retrieved October 7, 2009 from http://gracemagazine.wordpress.com/2007/12/

The Cell Phone: The Most "Happening" Gadget of the 21st Century

Cell phones have revolutionized the 21st century. In the year 2000, instant messaging, cameras, and television were just being added to the features contained in a cell phone. The birth of the palm pilot, the trio and Blackberry were simply preparing consumers for the beginning of a new era governed by the I-phone in 2007. Since then the I-phone, by Apple, has revolutionized everyday life in America. Not only can one use GPS from this pocket-sized screen, but every application imaginable can be obtained. These applications have been designed to aid Americans in their everyday life on the run. This has created a desire for everything efficient, digital, portable, and ever-ready, materialized in a small screen that makes up the I-phone.

The strides Apple has made, illustrated thru the I-phone, raise the expectations of much to come in the future. Also, what has been accomplished in this decade, looking at cell phone advancements alone, heighten anticipation of future innovations that will continue to revolutionize our world. “What will be next” is the question that echoes within the space that generates the cyber world. Today, everyday life has been completely altered by the cell phone itself, let alone the countless other gadgets available at the click of a mouse.


Posted By: Kylie Graham

Sources:

Buechner, M, & Thomas, O. (2000, January 17). Geek gadgets galore. Time, 155(2), Retrieved October 6, 2009, from http://ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu:2055/scripts/wsuall.pl?url=http://ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu:2077/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=2662780&site=ehost-live

Brandthroposophy: A Marketing and Research Blog. (2007). iphone Haiku and the Poetics of Scientific Representation. Retrieved October 7, 2009 from http://kozinets.net/archives/date/2007/06