Part 3: Designs That Evoke a Sense of Security

Beloved Designs Possess a "Sense of Security"

I prefer shapes formed by even numbers, like squares over triangles, and hexagons over pentagons. Snowflakes are hexagonal, too. When asked why I like them, it's purely a matter of feeling, so I can't really explain. If I had to say, perhaps it's because they offer a "sense of security." I feel this element of security is also important in product design.
The photo shows a pendant from my brand, 'M.Y. LABEL.' It feels a bit awkward to promote my own products, but my staff might soon start pressuring me to do some advertising instead of just writing whatever I please, so I'll take this opportunity to plug it.

Many silver accessories feature cross designs with religious connotations, but I simply like them as geometric shapes, so I use them often. If you ask me why, it's likely, as before, because they offer a "sense of security." Now, if you press me on why they provide that sense of security, I'd be at a loss. But if I had to force an explanation, consider the plus screwdriver: it's just a line with another line added, yet it dramatically increases turning power. Perhaps shapes that offer a sense of security are those that have some inherent meaning, "complete figures," because of their form.

Comfortable Forms Are "Effortless Forms"

A sense of security can be rephrased as comfort. Since jewelry is worn directly against the skin, it naturally follows that comfort in wear must be a priority. Take, for example, edge finishing. Even if the intention is to create a "sharp, linear ring," if the edges are too pointed, they could cut the skin and, more importantly, look unsettling. To achieve a comfortable form, the edges must have a suitable radius. Similarly, if you want to leverage the warmth of natural wood but are concerned about its strength, you might need to reinforce parts with metal. This ties back to the discussion of "constraints." If you consider how to make something comfortable to use and decide on the materials, the direction of the product design is largely determined. From there, I believe the designer's job is to bring out an "effortless form." And ideally, the finished product would carry a trace of its maker, wouldn't it?