Device

Given the historical fact that the Japanese word kikai (machine) starts essentially from kikai (instrument or tool; different character&sbquo same pronunciation)&sbquo the first character of kiki (device) ki (loom)&sbquo and the second character ki (musical instrument)&sbquo can be interpreted as the evolutionary formation of modern mechanical engineering. In ancient China that first character ki meant "weapon" and the second character ki meant ''a dish full of dog meat." In any case&sbquo the fact that the machine became more precise&sbquo the fact that the system of control and functions became automatic&sbquo and the fact this is reflected even in information processing technology can all be reexamined as the evolutionary system of the machine. If protecting humanity from hunger and the cold is the bask principle of civilization&sbquo then kiki (device) is a tool&sbquo a "dish" of food to stave off hunger&sbquo and a machine that weaves clothing to fight the cold. We can say that civilization is the machinery or hardware itself. The historicity of "from machine to device" characterizes contemporary civilization. Regarding kikai (machines) and human beings&sbquo a design that optimizes the man/machine interface relationship is required&sbquo but for kiki (device) and human beings&sbquo an ideal relationship centering on the affinity between human beings and the interface&sbquo that is&sbquo the device&sbquo is required. Rather than equipping or outfitting (vis-a-vis machines)&sbquo it is portability and wearability (vis-a-vis devices) that are required of design. A review of differences between the device system and system device is inevitable. Device systems must give thought to the degree of affinity the relationship between human beings and performance has with society and the times. The system device must give thought to how those devices must exist within the changing views and perceptions of space in each age and each society&sbquo and what functional relationship they must have with people. Moreover&sbquo the analog and digital aspects of the technology of the device's mechanism and mounting have become elements and factors that determine the device's performance and function. To realize devices as subjects of human-centered design we must further reform the innovative engineering and design that already integrate tools&sbquo furniture&sbquo machines and devices.

Copyright © 2009 Kazuo KAWASAKI All rights reserved.