Something to Saysuggestions, observations, and musings about visual communication

Something to Say

Nesting Instincts

I’ve been intrigued by the Nest thermostat for several years. From the photos and store promotions I’ve seen, it looks like a beautifully simple device with elegant design. So when…
Doug Klocke
September 20, 2018
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Design Energy

Cozy Columbus, Indiana, located about 45 miles south of Indianapolis, may seem like an unlikely place for an architectural mecca. But the ambitions of J. Irwin Miller, president of Cummins…
Doug Klocke
February 16, 2017
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The Elements of Style

Have you heard about these things called Brand Standards Guides (or Identity Guidelines, or Style Guides)? Designers love them, of course, because they go deep into all sorts of arcane-sounding…
Doug Klocke
January 26, 2017
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Angry Cars

Last year I was talking to a friend who had just purchased a new Prius — her second one. I asked her how she liked it. “It’s fine. It just…
Doug Klocke
October 27, 2016
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Limited Creativity

Many people believe the secret to unlocking amazing creativity is to remove all restrictions. The ideal of “complete creative freedom” is seen as the chance to let all our pent-up…
Doug Klocke
March 16, 2016
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Keeping Your Balance

As human beings, we love balance. It looks “right,” it feels harmonious, and it makes us comfortable. Too often in design, however, we confuse balance with symmetry. Unfortunately strict symmetry…
Doug Klocke
February 3, 2016