Week 8 – Reading Reflection

Attractive things work better:

I think the most important point to me when reading this essay was the idea of context being a vital part of design. Depending on the time of day, mood, and situation, certain objects might be preferred over others. For example, sometimes I switch out the type of bag/purse I bring outside depending on where I’m going. The aesthetic and functionality of the bag both matter when choosing for the right occasion. Taking into account negative moods and stress when designing/using an object also rings true in this example. Let’s say I’m going somewhere with a lot of walking around/physical activity. I don’t want a clunky bag with unnecessary pockets and components; I want something easy to carry even if it means looking a little more plain. When I’m doing a lot of physical activity, I’m going to feel more stressed out. That’s why choosing a simpler bag to avoid unnecessary panic when digging for items in my bag would be smarter. People think differently when they’re under pressure or anxious

Her Code Got Humans On The Moon

I had known that women were a crucial part of the start of computer programming from a previous media class that talked about computers and the necessity of a female workforce during WWII. However, even when were women were working on the same things as men, they were portrayed in media as doing clerical or busy work. They weren’t acknowledged for how much they contributed. These were women with degrees in mathematics and various STEM fields looked down upon and dismissed despite their qualifications. Going on to the 60s with space exploration, it’s still evident how womens’ opinions aren’t as valued despite how critical they are. Hamilton’s expertise was crucial for Apollo’s success and software engineering as a whole. It’s important to remember that these people were our predecessors and a backbone in the knowledge we have available today. Even though this field has been historically male-dominated, we have to remember that women were a very important part of this field’s emergence.

Leave a Reply