In order to make this random idea generator. Each of the three keywords here requires deeper researches.

​

I_Random

​

The first thing is to understand: What is random?

According to WIKI, if the thing is lacks of pattern or predictability, we call it random.

​

Today, people use the word "random" in many conditions, however, most of the things which we call it random are actually not random. For example, the coin toss- if we have the ability to calculate all the factors that will influence the coin, we can predict the result before it happens.

 

In our daily live, real random things are rare (■ Ramsey theory ). A lot of time we say random, is because of the lackness of our knowledge and technology, which impede us to see the pattern and sequence behind that thing. Sometimes, even if we have the ability to give a predictive result, it is so difficult that we still say it random to simplify the complicated causal, so that we can have an easier way to understand things. For this reason, many scientific fields, such as physical, mathematics, and biology, are concerned with randomness.

​

Take the mutation in biology as an example. The mutation is random. Mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful for the organism, but mutations do not "try" to supply what the organism "needs." With natural selection, evolution happens.

​

It is surprised to look at how similar the patterns are between the evolution of a product and the evolution of a creature. One is designed on purpose,  another is just random. But they end up in the same result. I might say that maybe it is because our decision is not always right, therefore, even if we try to supply what people's needs, we end up with products that are beneficial, neutral, or harmful for people. 

​

II_Idea

​

We know that the world tends to work in a way that requires the least energy( ■ The principle of minimum energy ) which makes It a high-efficiency model ( ■ Article: Nature is an Efficient Model for Productive Societies ) that last sustainably. 

​

Back to the earlier idea of predicting the coin-toss. Think about it in the product design field. If we can know all the factors related to a described scenario, we can actually make the perfect design for that scenario.

 

Yes, people already doing that. That's why we need a lot of researches during the design process. It seems like, the more research we do, the better result we might have. 

​

But ... it that the best way to design? Since the scenario for each design project various because of the different problems, target groups or other factors, the process of learning is costly. Doing perfect research for each project is not possible. At least, not very efficiently. 

​

Ideally, the more efficient way to design is to let those people who already in that scenario design things for themselves. The elder people design products for elders, disabled people design products for the disabled. Children design products for their peers.  Wait... that's weird. The flaw here is obviously - not every user group has the ability to design. That's why we sitting in this bright large studio, still worrying about how would the newborns survive in Africa ( ■ Project: NeoNurture )

​

Thinking about my own design experience. I always find that doing traditional user research and understanding other people is suffering. My design relies on random ideas that pump up in my head. I only choose the idea which I truly love and have a passion for it. My theory here is, in most of the parts, I am a very normal person. So, even if I  only do the thing I personally love,  it has a high possibility ( almost 100%, definitely ) that it is also loved by someone else.

​

Though there is no research part in my design process, it does not mean that my design has no research. The random ideas that come into my mind are generated by my previous experience and knowledge. Therefore the elements in my head make up a research pool of myself. 

 

If we take all individuals on our planet as an entity. As this entity's research pool is combined by adding up everyone's experience and knowledge, we can say it includes every perfect research of every scenario. If we ask it to design a product, even without doing researches,  just start with generating random ideas,  it can finally come up with the product which suits that scenario perfectly.

​

That's exactly how evolution happens in biology - by mutation and natural selection.

​

III_Generator

​

For a quick test, I used a dictionary as an input ware to generate two randomly words. (■ Random idea generator ). It works, though needs some imagination. It does give me some inspirations, by just simply running this quick and rough test. For example, the "low vessel" that inspired me to design a vessel that aims to put under, or inside the table.

​

The problem here is if the outcome is too random, it is hard for us to really take use of it.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​