CAD Can't Save the Kitten
Unveiling the Dual Nature of Technology in Home Design
Have you ever experienced the mind boggling magic of virtual reality?
I once embarked on a virtual reality “ride” at a shopping mall. It was set-up inside a small, dark enclosed room devoid of windows. In the center of the bare cement floor stood a thick, easily traversable balance beam. All I needed to do was strap on the headset and be ready for adventure:
Suddenly, I found myself on the rooftop of a towering 146-floor skyscraper peering down at traffic below. My stomach churned. Scanning the horizon of majestic skyscrapers, I noticed a tightrope spanning the dizzying heights to another skyscraper. At the end of this tightrope was a small, frightened kitten in need of rescue. Could I be a hero and brave the tightrope to rescue the kitten?
Duh, I rolled my eyes and played along - of course I could do this! My conscious brain knew I was firmly grounded on a cement floor at a shopping center. But then virtual reality put my eyes in charge and they seized control of all my other senses, misleading my feet, limbs and inner ear into believing I stood at treacherous and precarious heights. My entire body replied to the false reality of the sight before me. Arms stretched out for balance, I cautiously inched across the tightrope. Adrenaline surged through my veins- my foot missed the rope and I plummeted down- down, down, down all of 4” to find myself standing upright on the actual cement floor. I had totally blown my chance to rescue the kitten.
the Dual Nature of Technology in Home Design
I share the above virtual reality tale to illustrate two crucial points about employing technology in home design:
First, yes, technology is a game changer. It serves as a remarkable and efficient tool, enhancing accuracy, communication, and the overall design process. Computer-aided drawing (CAD) produces awe-inspiring renderings that depict every intricate detail from the custom furnishings down to the nitty gritty placement of lights and electrical outlets. With a virtual reality headset you can take a simulated tour of your future kitchen before the first speck of dust flies. You can even wander through a fully furnished and decorated home on a different continent. With a simple app on your phone, you can visualize a sofa in your own cherished abode, all without spending a dime.
2. However, this leads me to emphasize my second point: Unfortunately, many crucial aspects of design fail to effectively translate into the realm of digital reality. While an app may assist in visualizing a sofa in your home, it cannot convey the experience of sitting on it or provide insights into the texture of the fabric or how the color will appear in real space and lighting conditions. Colors online seldom resemble their real-life counterparts. This disconnect can be immensely frustrating for both designers and customers alike. Technology often lures us into thinking that we must “rescue the kitten”. As humans, we only consciously process around 5% of the sensory information available to us. Entranced by what our eyes perceive, we conveniently overlook the multitude of sensory realities our bodies experience. It is no surprise that phrases like "seeing is believing" and "a picture is worth a thousand words" are deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness.
Naturally, our brains tend to prioritize visible information over other sensory inputs, leading to situations where you can be physically present in a shopping mall but feel as though you're walking a tightrope to rescue a kitten, solely based on what your eyes perceive. When it comes to home design, our sense of sight takes precedence, fueled by various visual information and stimuli. After all, the pursuit of captivating Beauty for our eyes to behold is the ultimate objective, isn't it? Well, undoubtedly it is, but...
With all due respect to the impressive capabilities of stunning CAD renderings, virtual reality simulations, and the convenience of online shopping, it is crucial to recognize that relying solely on these technologies can hinder the creation of a truly restorative Home. While technology provides us with easily accessible visual information and efficiency, it causes us to overlook the other 95% of sensory data that plays a vital role in achieving exceptional design.
the Artistry solution: Embrace the Deeper Realities of Home
Artistry helps clients move beyond mere visuals to explore the deeper realities of Home and the profound essence of being human. Harnessing these insights then guides our design process to create stunning visuals that embody the full spectrum of reality.
Understanding that feelings create the solid foundation of a well-designed home, we use prompting questions like:
How does this space or color make you feel?
What brings you comfort?
How do you navigate your daily routines?
How does your mind organize your belongings?
What role does light play in your life?
Who shares your space?
What stories does your life unfold?
These are the types of questions that unearth the vast array of sensory data residing in our unconscious minds. Exploring these realities requires a different approach —an approach that is essential to designing a truly restorative home.
When making design decisions, it is crucial to expand our information scope beyond mere efficiency and the visually captivating aspects of virtual reality. It is imperative to maintain mindfulness and resist the temptation to believe that these elements alone are sufficient to create a home. While rescuing a kitten may be heroic, ignoring reality in the process comes at a great cost. Instead, let us embark on a design journey that supports us as fully grounded human beings.
Home design with Artistry guides you through this complex journey of creating multi-sensory, life-affirming design. Our engaged, hands-on approach never loses sight of your ultimate goal: to reside in a home that fully nurtures and embodies your best self. Click the button below to connect with Artistry and embark on a conversation that will transform your home.