MoMA: The Value of Good Design

I find the concept of ericofon telephone is connected with my toolkit. It was the first telephone to incorporate the dial, receiver, and mouthpiece into a single unit. Initially, I just thought the contour of the headset was interesting. The lines, shapes, and volume look smooth and functional. The ericofon combines the receiver and the mouthpiece so well and it can even stand on the table, which is very considerate. After came back from MoMA, I did some brief researches. To my surprise, there is a dial at the bottom of the ericofon.

The ericofon incorporate three essential functions altogether: dial number, receive voice and speak. Also, I see the design is based on ergonomics from the shape of the ericofon. The distance between speaker and receiver is approximately the same as the distance between the ears and mouth. The handle was curved and the middle part of the handle is thinner for a better holding experience.

Toolkits are combinations of several tools that serve for different functions. The idea of a toolkit is the same as the idea of combining dial, receiver, and mouthpiece. The ericofon helps to achieve a new level of calling experience. I also want my toolkit to fit the user experience so that it can create more convenience and happiness for my users. My toolkit is a hospice kit for dying people due to extreme climate and unpredictable disasters. Similar to ericofon which use the reference form ergonomics, I design my toolkit from the perspective of users. For dying people, the first thing they have to do is to reduce their pain and extend their spare time in order to do more things. The “memory gallery” is a collection of physical things that they are attached to. And “the last word” give them the chance to hear from their family and friends for the last time and say something to them. With physical and mental fulfillment, they can die in peace.