Facilitator: Mr. Chandrashekhar Wyawahare, Director, Futuring Design Pvt. Ltd.
Dates: March 27–28, 2025
Duration: 2 days
Participants: Second and third-year Industrial Design students, Institute of Design Nirma University
The two-day workshop on Conversational Form Design, led by Mr. Chandrashekhar Wyawahare, was an immersive exploration into the nuanced relationship between product form and user perception. The sessions emphasized the pivotal role of form in conveying a product’s essence, moving beyond mere aesthetics to encompass communication and functionality.
Day 1: Understanding Form and Emotion
The workshop commenced with an interactive brainstorming session. Each of the 20 participating students independently generated keywords associated with kitchen appliances—terms like reliability, efficiency, and robustness. This rapid ideation exercise culminated in a diverse collection of descriptors, which were then collaboratively organized into thematic categories, providing a foundational understanding of the attributes that kitchen appliances embody.
Transitioning from abstract concepts to tangible products, we examined a standard mixer grinder. This hands-on analysis involved deconstructing the appliance to comprehend its internal mechanisms and design rationale. Mr. Wyawahare’s insights illuminated the deliberate choices behind each component, emphasizing considerations spanning user experience, manufacturing constraints, and maintenance implications. This deep dive underscored the importance of a holistic design approach that integrates form with function.
Day 2: Translating Abstract Qualities into Design
Building upon the previous day’s insights, the focus shifted to individual sketching exercises aimed at translating abstract qualities into product forms. Each student selected an emotion or attribute—such as stability, aggression, or playfulness—and endeavored to embody this characteristic within the design of a mixer grinder. The challenge was to rely solely on geometry, eschewing color and material, to convey the intended essence.
This iterative sketching process revealed the profound impact of subtle modifications in angles, proportions, and contours on user perception. For instance, angular forms with pronounced edges evoked a sense of aggression, while smooth, rounded silhouettes conveyed calmness and approachability. The exercise highlighted the designer’s role in crafting forms that resonate emotionally with users, enhancing both appeal and usability.
A pivotal component of the workshop was the peer review session. Students displayed their sketches, inviting constructive critiques from their peers. This exchange fostered a collaborative learning environment where diverse perspectives enriched the design process. The subsequent task involved refining a peer’s concept, challenging students to adapt and evolve designs through an external lens, thereby promoting flexibility and empathy in design thinking.
Reflections and Takeaways
The Conversational Form Design workshop was a transformative experience that deepened our appreciation for the silent dialogue between product and user facilitated by form. Key takeaways include:
●Intentional Design: Recognizing that every design element serves a purpose, contributing to the overall narrative and functionality of the product.
●Emotional Resonance: Understanding that form can evoke specific emotions, influencing user interaction and perception.
●Iterative Process: Valuing sketching and peer feedback as integral components of refining design concepts.
●Holistic Perspective: Integrating considerations of manufacturing, user experience, and maintenance into the design process to create cohesive and practical products.
Mr. Wyawahare’s mentorship provided invaluable industry insights, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application. His emphasis on thoughtful, user-centered design has left an indelible mark on our approach to product development.
In conclusion, the workshop not only honed our technical skills but also instilled a deeper understanding of the communicative power of form in design. It reinforced the notion that effective design transcends visual appeal, embodying meaning and purpose that resonate with users on a fundamental level.
