1. THE LONDON UNDERGROUND DIAGRAM
A simple design of grand proportions.
A project for History of Design by
Tanish Karmakar

2. Designed by Harry Beck in 1931, the London Underground Diagram is one of the most iconic rapid transit network maps in history. Unlike other maps preceding it, this map was the the first one to depict the topology rather than the geography of the network.
Being an uncommissioned spare- time project by a man who was not a designer, the map was famous for its unconventional yet accessible appearance inspired by electrical circuit diagrams.
Until being replaced by Harold Hutchinson, who changed the design of the map (which lead to some complications) in 1960, Beck continuously worked on the project. He was never recognised for his contributions in his lifetime. In 1964, when the design of the map was taken over by Paul Garbutt, the elements of Beck’s design returned (without his involvement) and still are present today.
In 1997, he was posthumously recognized, and the statement,"This diagram is an evolution of the original design conceived in 1931 by Harry Beck" is printed on every Tube map as of today.
The original 1933 copy of the Tube map.

3. T H E D E S I G N O F L U D The BIG Ideas.
User, not “Design” Focused - One of the main reasons the LUD garnered the massive success it has was by Beck inherently focusing on solving the needs of the user (the everyday commuter) rather than introducing some novelty through the formal understanding of design, unlike the typical designer.
Comprehension of a Macrocosmic-Microcosmic model - Through the design itself, users are able to understand a macrocosmic system (in this case, the underground railway system) with the help of a microcosmic model (the map).
Dynamic and Adaptive Form- Although Beck was not a graphic designer, he used his intrinsic aesthetic sensibility of color and typography to present the map in such a way that it appeared something intuitive,playful and worth engaging with to the users, rather than a mere technical diagram. Additionally, by employing such a form which was an abstract simulation, the map lasted very long as it could be adapted over time.
Mediation between systems and people - The map essentially served as an entry point to the system of London underground railways to the traveller, which builds an identity of the London Underground and establishes a significant relationship with whoever uses it through its lasting appeal as not only as useful tool, but a brand itself.

4. T H E Re D E S I G N of The New School App for iOS and Android Phones
For an object to redesign on the basis of the principles of the LUD, I chose The New School app for phone because I felt that as an user of that app, it is usually overlooked and could be redesigned to become a core component of the New School Experience.
I imagined the app as essentially a service for the user, where the user being a student or faculty of the university, can use the app as a productive tool for tasks such as monitoring academic progress, keeping track of and submitting homework, registering for classes while also gaining information regarding various resources and events.
TANISH KARMAKAR . Log out
ACADEMICS
SERVICES
LEARNING PORTFOLIO
CLASSES
HISTORY OF DESIGN
Wednesdays 9:00 – 11:40 am
Room 602, 2 W 13th ST
Instructor Finn Ferris (P)
Due for Next Week, 12/7/16 –
PRESENTATION FOR FINAL PROJECT
Check for new events
Incoming Class
HISTORY OF DESIGN at 9:00 am
Reminder
TURN IN ASSIGNMENT FOR CODE at 7:00 pm

5. T H E Re D E S I G N of The New School App for iOS and Android Phones
For making my design user centered, the app would be built in such a way that would complement the academic experience rather than supplement it. This would start by fully integrating CANVAS, a platform used by both students and faculty to post and submit homework and course materials, into the app itself.
By incorporating a very intuitive user interface by employing specific use of minimalistic type, color and animation, the app will have a dynamic and adaptive form which not only could grow for the years to come but also be efficient and rewarding to interact with. With the addition of optional reminders for attending classes and submitting assignments.
With the aforementioned ideals, the app will serve as a mediation between systems and people by being an entry point to the macrocosmic system of the New School through a micromosmic model. This shall become the face of the New School experience for the users, building a more effective relationship between them and the institution.

6. Thank You for bearing with my boring presentation
Thank You for bearing with my boring presentation. (Hopefully you all are tad more enthused than Mr. Beck here…)