Module 11 : ‘Functional & Non-functional Elements’ in design
  Lecture 30 : Nature and Emotion, Functional Elements, Dots & Points
 

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480; March 7, 2013)

Nature also plays effective role in human mind and body. Seasonal changes, day or night conditions evoking and inspiring human being from the very early human history. Sun-set at the seaside, the reflection of early morning sunlight on a snow cap mountain, walking through the tropical mountain or the forest-fire seeing in the dark night, lightning, may create different emotion. Experiencing a strange feeling through the transparent glass wall of a freezing winter morning in Chicago,far away from home,creates nostalgic emotion that the author has never forgotten in his life.  The lightning on the sea (plate 3A), Taj Mohal in full moonlight night or the bright golden yellow color in nature shows the warmth of Amaltas flower (plate 3C) just before the summer. Each time the season or different timing of the day or night it may evoke strong emotional experience. Cognition or perception and emotion are closely related. It is perhaps the most common human experience that man learns from the infant stage. Human being relates to sounds before even recognizing any form or shape. Smell and auditory senses are the most important organs that human being is associated from the early stage to use for their protection and safety. The sound of the footstep in dark, signals warning for taking defense, while burning smell warns of danger. Human instincts or senses are built to protect or experience the joy. Thus human instincts baked by auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory, and taste senses have equipped us to accommodate and appreciate the pleasure of life. The sensual experience of various conditions evokes positive or negative reactions. On the other hand the same senses enable us to confront the hostile environment. Safety and comfort are the two most essential elements in our living condition.

Until very recently design profession mostly depended on formal functional elements which are being verified through quantitative parameters. In most cases design explores various formal elements and principles that are related to functional elements such as- form, shape, size, texture, color, line, etc. In order to standardize any product functional elements are necessary. Therefore, all these elements are part of design’s formal structure.