Innovation of use refers to "the degree to which a product improves or modifies its usage, perhaps adding new functions, as compared to products already on the market" (7). In the interior design field new and improved materials are always being developed to solve many different design issues. One issue that many designers come across is the issue of controlling sound travel in spaces where they would rather not use walls to permanently close off the space. An easy way for designers to create multiple spaces within a larger space is by using curtains as dividers. The only issue with using curtains is the issue of noise levels in the space; Annette douglas Textiles created a type of curtain that solves this issue. This textile business developed a curtain that is aesthetically pleasing, light weight allowing light to filter through, and has the ability to absorb a high a large amount of sound. This type of curtain is called the "Translucent Acoustic Curtain". After researching this curtain I found out that it absorbs 5 times the amount of sound than an average curtain can. I also learned that this innovative design won the prestigious innovative award 2012 Best of Best Red Dot product design.
Typological innovation "relates to the deviation of a product from its formal archtype" (9) In the interior design industry there are a countless amount of door types that a designer can specify for the projects that they are working on. However, all door serve the same purpose of allowing a client to close off a space for privacy. A new door design by Sung Young Um is the perfect example of typological innovation. This door functions just like any other door but also has the ability to break from its frame and fold down into a tent shaped shelter providing protection for one person in the event of an earthquake. This door is called "The Quick-Shelter Door". This door was designed to solve the issue of people not having enough time to evacuate a multiple story building in the event of a natural disaster. Having this door installed in an apartment on the 10th floor of an apartment building in an area with a record for experincing earthqukaes would definitely give the occupant piece of mind knowing that they have a form of shelter if they are unable to evacuate.
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