In this week’s “Why Design” series from Herman Miller, Don Chadwick discusses the camera and how it’s helped guide his eye, allowing him to see things differently. Chadwick’s unique view of the world has allowed him to redefine it with design.

His Aeron Chair is the perfect example. It introduced a completely new kind of task seating, eschewing traditional upholstery for form-fitting Pellicle suspension, which cools and focuses while offering unmatched ergonomic comfort and support.

Lifework draws inspiration from Chadwick’s words and work in this week’s Six Ways to Photography and Design.

1. Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home Camera Bag - With immense capacity, this tough-as-nails carry-all-things camera bag is water resistant, has a customizable interior, and is easy on the body. Newbie or pro, you can move your gear into a new $6M home. Get it at Crumpler.

2. Impossible Instant Lab - Bridging the gap between trend-setting and cherished nostalgia is the Impossible Instant Lab for iPhone. Simply attach your iPhone and turn digital images into Polaroid-esque reality. Back this project on Kickstarter.

3. Polaroid GL10 Instant Mobile Printer - Here’s another way to turn pixels tangible. The GL10 connects to your mobile phone via Bluetooth and prints your photos, no ribbons, or cartridges required. Print up to 35 3×4 full-color photos in a single charge. Available from Polaroid.

4. Flipbac Angle Viewfinder - This clever camera accessory helps you capture that tricky angle and avoid body-contortion. Just attach the Flipbac mirrored viewfinder to your digital camera and shoot from a host of striking new angles. Check it out at Flipbac.

5. iPhone Stutter Grip - Get a handle on mobile phone photo and videography literally, with iPhone Stutter Grip. Stutter Grip adds handle and shutter/video button right where you remember it, giving your iPhone that more familiar, SLR feel. Find one at Photojojo.

6. Gorillapod, Joby - A must-have for any on-the-go shutterbug, the Gorillapod’s flexible, multi-pivoting, gripping tripod legs balance, secure, and steady your camera just about anywhere. With eight different configurations to choose from, there’s a Gorillapod for every kind of photographer. Get a grip on one at Joby.

Photos: Linked within the text.

OUR LIST:

1. As Walletpop had previously mentioned, MP3 players are a big one. If your budget is $10, then sure – you can grab one from your local bargain bin. Just don’t expect it to last for long. The quality of manufacturing, materials used, and interface will suck so bad that you’d might as well not buy it at all.

2. Cameras. There’s plenty of affordable name brand options out there with plenty of sources (including us) to provide first hand reviews and experiences regarding the performance and picture quality of the camera you plan to buy. No-name models tend to milk on the “buzzwords” like “high pixel count” and “70 event modes.” Best to avoid those if you’re looking for something that’ll take pictures where people’s faces are actually distinguishable.

3. If you’re used to listening to low bitrate MP3s or fuzzy radio all day, then you may disregard this one. But if you actually wish to appreciate music, we suggest investing in a pair of quality headphones or earphones. We’ve covered plenty of ground here, so there should be no soul out there blasting away with some iPod headphone throwaways unless they have to.

4. This should be an obvious one - computers. No, we’re not saying to go out and buy a Mac. Just be careful when settling for a “netbook” sold at the flea market from a brand you’ve never heard of once in your life. Computers break, but a generic one will break much faster with little hopes of getting even a single e-mail back from the manufacturer when things start to fall apart. (Additionally, buying off-brand Apple power chargers and accessories is risky business as well)

5. Cell phones. Yep, we’re talking about you, $0 after $100 mail-in rebate AT&T standard phone. Avoid, avoid, avoid. This falls into the same realm as cameras, here. If you’re not willing to spend a dime on your phone and figure the experience is merely “just talking on the phone” then you’re mistaken. Even simple things like a buried contact list, sluggish buttons, and sticky keys can go from annoyance to technology hell. Best to do some research and try a few phones out first before settling for the default.

Got a tech product that you know will suck tremendously unless you buy name brand? Share it in the comments below!

By Anthony.”