Unit 1. Design (Listening)

1. aesthetic (adj)

/esˈθetɪk/ - attractive or beautiful to look at 🎯 Context in Unit: One of Dieter Rams' 10 principles of good design. 🔗 Collocations: aesthetic appeal [sức hút thẩm mỹ], highly aesthetic. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Which principle is most important?) I believe the aesthetic appeal of a product is the least important principle because a beautiful phone is useless if it does not work properly. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Name one object in your room that has high aesthetic value.

2. innovative (adj)

/ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ - new and original 🎯 Context in Unit: Rams' first principle; creating something never seen before. 🔗 Collocations: innovative approach [cách tiếp cận đổi mới], innovative design. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Design a new product) I want to invent an innovative umbrella that uses air pressure to block the rain, so it never breaks in the wind. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What is the most innovative feature of your current smartphone?

3. principle (n)

/ˈprɪnsəpl/ - a basic belief or idea that affects how something is done 🎯 Context in Unit: Dieter Rams' 10 rules for creating products. 🔗 Collocations: guiding principle [nguyên tắc chỉ đạo], basic principle. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Evaluate a house) The most important principle for evaluating an apartment is whether the living space is functionally organized. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What is one guiding principle you follow when studying English?

4. thorough (adj)

/ˈθɜːroʊ/ - complete; not missing any necessary parts or details 🎯 Context in Unit: A design must be carefully thought out to the last detail. 🔗 Collocations: thorough understanding [sự hiểu biết cặn kẽ], thorough investigation. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Problem with doors) Designers must have a thorough understanding of human psychology to prevent people from pulling doors that should be pushed. ⚡ Actionable Practice: If someone does a "thorough" review, did they study everything or just a little?

5. unobtrusive (adj)

/ˌʌnəbˈtruːsɪv/ - not attracting too much attention 🎯 Context in Unit: Good design should act as a tool and stay out of the way. 🔗 Collocations: unobtrusive design [thiết kế không phô trương], remain unobtrusive. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Rams' principles for a computer) For a computer, being unobtrusive is highly important because the user should focus on the screen, not the hardware. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Describe a situation where a student should remain unobtrusive in class.

6. evaluate (v)

/ɪˈvæljueɪt/ - to think carefully about something to decide how good or bad it is 🎯 Context in Unit: Judging the quality of everyday objects. 🔗 Collocations: evaluate effectiveness [đánh giá tính hiệu quả], carefully evaluate. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Evaluate everyday objects) When we evaluate the Braun calculator, we can see it is a perfect example of functional, honest design. ⚡ Actionable Practice: How do you evaluate whether an English teacher is good?

7. pioneer (v)

/ˌpaɪəˈnɪr/ - to do something for the first time 🎯 Context in Unit: People or companies that invent new technology/designs. 🔗 Collocations: pioneer a technique [tiên phong một kỹ thuật]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: VR uses) Many companies want to pioneer new AR software that helps medical students practice surgeries safely. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Name a famous person who pioneered a new type of technology.

8. vertical (adj)

/ˈvɜːrtɪkl/ - standing or pointing up and down 🎯 Context in Unit: Describes door handles that confuse users. 🔗 Collocations: vertical line, vertical position [vị trí thẳng đứng]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Design a door with no instructions) I would completely remove the vertical handles and install a flat plate to naturally signal users to push. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Is a tree growing out of the ground vertical or horizontal?

9. insight (n)

/ˈɪnsaɪt/ - an idea that helps you to understand something 🎯 Context in Unit: The sudden "eureka moment" sparked by short sleep. 🔗 Collocations: gain insight [có được cái nhìn sâu sắc], valuable insight. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Napping and creativity) Taking a short rest allows the brain to gain valuable insight into difficult math or design problems. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Who gives you valuable insight when you have a personal problem?

10. nap / doze (n/v)

/næp/ /doʊz/ - a short or light sleep 🎯 Context in Unit: The physical act of taking a short rest to boost brain power. 🔗 Collocations: take a nap, doze off [ngủ gật]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Napping and creativity) Thomas Edison would intentionally doze off to access the creative ideas in his subconscious mind. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Do you usually feel energized after you take a nap in the afternoon?

11. nod off (v)

/nɒd ɔf/ - fall asleep (often by accident) 🎯 Context in Unit: Participants falling asleep while holding a ball. 🔗 Collocations: nod off easily, nod off during a meeting [ngủ gật giữa cuộc họp]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Napping puzzle experiment) The study proved that people who nod off for just a few minutes are three times more likely to crack the hidden rule of a puzzle. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Have you ever nodded off while watching a movie?

12. nonrapid-eye-movement (phr)

/nɒnˈræpɪd aɪ ˈmuːvmənt/ - sleep stage where eyes are still 🎯 Context in Unit: The N1 sleep phase linked to high creativity. 🔗 Collocations: nonrapid-eye-movement sleep [giấc ngủ NREM]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Discuss the diagram) The diagram shows that the early stage of nonrapid-eye-movement sleep produces the highest rate of problem-solving success. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Does "nonrapid-eye-movement" happen when you are awake or sleeping?

13. slumber (n)

/ˈslʌmbər/ - sleep 🎯 Context in Unit: Synonym for sleep regarding Edison's process. 🔗 Collocations: deep slumber [giấc ngủ sâu], peaceful slumber. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Napping and creativity) A brief period of slumber helps designers relax and think of solutions they missed while fully awake. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What do you do before bed to ensure a peaceful slumber?

14. artificial (adj)

/ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃl/ - made by people; not natural 🎯 Context in Unit: Discussing materials or virtual realities. 🔗 Collocations: artificial intelligence, artificial environment [môi trường nhân tạo]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: What uses could VR have?) VR creates an artificial environment where architects can safely test the structural safety of a building. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Do you prefer natural light or artificial light when reading?

15. come up with (phr v)

/kʌm ʌp wɪð/ - to think of an idea, plan, or solution 🎯 Context in Unit: Thinking of solutions to design problems. 🔗 Collocations: come up with a solution [nghĩ ra giải pháp], come up with an idea. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Design a new product) To help people wake up, I want to come up with an alarm clock that makes you solve a math puzzle before it turns off. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Tell me about a time you came up with a great idea.

16. complex (adj)

/kəmˈpleks/ - involving lots of details; difficult to understand 🎯 Context in Unit: Bad design is overly complicated. 🔗 Collocations: complex problem [vấn đề phức tạp], highly complex. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Are everyday objects well-designed?) Modern coffee machines are often too complex, with unnecessary buttons that confuse the user. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What is the most complex subject you studied in high school?

17. computer-generated (adj)

/kəmˈpjuːtər ˈdʒenəreɪtɪd/ - created by a computer program 🎯 Context in Unit: Describing VR imagery. 🔗 Collocations: computer-generated imagery (CGI) [hình ảnh do máy tính tạo ra]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: VR objects) Using computer-generated models of the human heart would help medical students understand anatomy much better than 2D books. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Do you think computer-generated movies are better than real-life movies?

18. device (n)

/dɪˈvaɪs/ - a machine or piece of equipment used for a specific purpose 🎯 Context in Unit: Electronic products we use daily. 🔗 Collocations: electronic device [thiết bị điện tử], mobile device. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Products in classroom) In our classroom, the projector is a device that signals how it should be used through simple, color-coded buttons. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What electronic device can you not live without?

19. feature (n)

/ˈfiːtʃər/ - an important part or piece of something 🎯 Context in Unit: The specific functions of a product. 🔗 Collocations: key feature [tính năng chính], unnecessary features. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Change an object) I wish my umbrella had a special feature, like a button that instantly dries the fabric. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What is your favorite feature on your smartphone?

20. feedback (n)

/ˈfiːdbæk/ - comments about how good something is, for improvements 🎯 Context in Unit: Clients reviewing architect's designs via VR. 🔗 Collocations: constructive feedback [phản hồi mang tính xây dựng], positive feedback. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: VR benefits) VR allows clients to provide immediate feedback on a house design before any real materials are wasted. ⚡ Actionable Practice: How do you feel when a teacher gives you negative feedback?

21. figure out (phr v)

/ˈfɪɡjər aʊt/ - to be able to understand something or solve a problem 🎯 Context in Unit: Users trying to understand how a product works. 🔗 Collocations: figure out a solution [tìm ra giải pháp], figure out how to do something. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Norman doors problem) It is incredibly frustrating when you are carrying heavy bags and cannot figure out how to open a glass door. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What do you do when you can't figure out a math problem?

22. functional (adj)

/ˈfʌŋkʃənl/ - designed to be good at doing a particular job 🎯 Context in Unit: Products must be useful before being beautiful. 🔗 Collocations: highly functional [tính công năng cao], purely functional. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Design vs Price) I care much more about design than price, because a cheap product is a waste of money if it is not functional. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Are the clothes you are wearing right now more fashionable or functional?

23. layer (v)

/ˈleɪər/ - to put one thing on top of another 🎯 Context in Unit: Augmented reality placing digital images over real life. 🔗 Collocations: layer information [chồng/thêm lớp thông tin]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: AR uses) Augmented reality can layer arrows and directions onto the real road to help drivers navigate safely. ⚡ Actionable Practice: When it's very cold outside, how many shirts do you layer?

24. measure (v)

/ˈmeʒər/ - to find the size, weight, or amount of something 🎯 Context in Unit: Using tools like measuring jugs. 🔗 Collocations: accurately measure [đo lường chính xác], measure the impact. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Are objects well-designed?) The measuring jug in the picture is poorly designed because the numbers are too small to measure liquids quickly. ⚡ Actionable Practice: How do we normally measure temperature?

25. operate (v)

/ˈɒpəreɪt/ - to use or control a piece of equipment 🎯 Context in Unit: How humans interact with machines. 🔗 Collocations: operate machinery [vận hành máy móc], easy to operate. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Rams' principles) "Makes a product understandable" is vital for a washing machine, so that anyone can operate it without a manual. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Do you know how to operate a manual transmission car?

26. similarity (n)

/ˌsɪməˈlærəti/ - the fact that two things are like each other 🎯 Context in Unit: Comparing virtual models to real life. 🔗 Collocations: striking similarity [sự giống nhau đáng kinh ngạc], bear a similarity to. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: VR vs Real life) There is a striking similarity between the VR simulation and the actual building, which prevents communication errors. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What is one similarity between you and your best friend?

27. simulation (n)

/ˌsɪmjuˈleɪʃn/ - a situation where people pretend something is real 🎯 Context in Unit: Computer programs imitating real buildings. 🔗 Collocations: computer simulation [mô phỏng máy tính], run a simulation. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: VR objects) A VR simulation of a new car interior allows buyers to test the ergonomics without leaving their homes. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Why do pilots practice flying in a simulation before flying a real plane?

28. three-dimensional (adj)

/ˌθriː dɪˈmenʃənl/ - having length, width, and depth (3D) 🎯 Context in Unit: Viewing designs in VR rather than flat 2D plans. 🔗 Collocations: three-dimensional model [mô hình 3 chiều]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: VR benefits) Most clients cannot read 2D floor plans, so a three-dimensional walkthrough is necessary for them to understand the space. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Have you ever watched a three-dimensional movie at the cinema?

29. train (v)

/treɪn/ - to teach someone how to do a particular job 🎯 Context in Unit: Using VR to educate people. 🔗 Collocations: train staff [đào tạo nhân viên], properly trained. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Other VR uses) Hospitals could use VR to safely train young surgeons on complex operations without risking human lives. ⚡ Actionable Practice: How long does it take to train a dog to sit?

30. classic (adj)

/ˈklæsɪk/ - popular for a very long time because it is very good 🎯 Context in Unit: Describing long-lasting designs. 🔗 Collocations: classic design [thiết kế kinh điển], classic example. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Rams' principles) Rams believed that good design is long-lasting, meaning a classic chair will never go out of style. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Name a classic movie that everyone should watch.

31. element (n)

/ˈelɪmənt/ - a basic part of something 🎯 Context in Unit: Components of a design. 🔗 Collocations: key element [yếu tố then chốt], essential element. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Evaluate a house) Natural lighting is an essential element I use to evaluate whether an apartment is comfortable to live in. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What is the most important element of a good friendship?

32. environmentally friendly (adj)

/ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentəli ˈfrendli/ - not harmful to the air, water, earth 🎯 Context in Unit: Rams' principle #9 for sustainable products. 🔗 Collocations: environmentally friendly product [sản phẩm thân thiện với môi trường]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Most important principle) Being environmentally friendly is the most important principle today, because we must reduce plastic waste in the ocean. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Name one environmentally friendly habit you practice daily.

33. flexible (adj)

/ˈfleksəbl/ - able to change, bend, or move easily 🎯 Context in Unit: Materials used in product design (like an umbrella). 🔗 Collocations: flexible working hours, flexible material [vật liệu linh hoạt]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Umbrella solutions) If the umbrella frame were made of a flexible plastic, it would bend in the wind instead of snapping. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Are you a flexible person when your travel plans suddenly change?

34. image (n)

/ˈɪmɪdʒ/ - a picture (on a computer or in print) 🎯 Context in Unit: CGI and AR overlapping pictures on reality. 🔗 Collocations: digital image [hình ảnh kỹ thuật số], clear image. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: AR uses) AR headsets project a digital image of furniture onto your empty living room to help you decorate. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Do you care a lot about your public image on social media?

35. industrial (adj)

/ɪnˈdʌstriəl/ - connected with the production of goods in factories 🎯 Context in Unit: Industrial design and mass production. 🔗 Collocations: industrial design [thiết kế công nghiệp], industrial revolution. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Career as a designer) I would love a career in industrial design because I want to create products that millions of people use every day. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Does your city have a large industrial area?

36. measurement (n)

/ˈmeʒərmənt/ - the size or amount expressed in numbers 🎯 Context in Unit: Evaluating the physical size of objects or spaces. 🔗 Collocations: exact measurement [số đo chính xác], take measurements. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: VR benefits) With VR, an architect does not need to explain exact measurements to a client, because the client can visually feel the size of the room. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Do you know the exact measurement of your height?

37. process (n)

/ˈprɑːses/ - a set of actions done in a particular order to make something 🎯 Context in Unit: The steps taken to design or evaluate a product. 🔗 Collocations: design process [quá trình thiết kế], slow process. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: VR and clients) VR speeds up the design process because the client and architect can identify problems before construction begins. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Is learning a new language a fast or slow process?

38. alter (v)

/ˈɔːltər/ - to change 🎯 Context in Unit: Changing a design based on feedback. 🔗 Collocations: alter significantly [thay đổi đáng kể], alter a plan. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: VR uses) Architects can instantly alter the color of the walls in VR, which saves the client time and money. ⚡ Actionable Practice: If you could alter one rule at your school, what would it be?

39. contrast (n/v)

/ˈkɑːntræst/ - a large difference 🎯 Context in Unit: Comparing good vs bad design. 🔗 Collocations: sharp contrast [sự tương phản rõ rệt], in contrast to. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Good vs Bad design) In sharp contrast to a Norman door, a sliding automatic door requires zero thought from the user. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What is the biggest contrast between city life and country life?

40. eventually (adv)

/ɪˈventʃuəli/ - after a long period of time 🎯 Context in Unit: How designs or opinions change over time. 🔗 Collocations: eventually succeed [cuối cùng cũng thành công]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Umbrella solutions) If an umbrella is badly designed, people will eventually throw it away, causing terrible environmental damage. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What job do you hope to eventually get after you graduate?

41. fly in the face of (id)

/flaɪ ɪn ðə feɪs ʌv/ - to contradict; to be the opposite of expectations 🎯 Context in Unit: Revolutionary ideas going against tradition. 🔗 Collocations: fly in the face of logic [đi ngược lại logic], fly in the face of tradition. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Norman doors) Putting a vertical handle on a door that you must push flies in the face of human intuition and logic. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Does wearing shorts to a wedding fly in the face of tradition in your country?

42. income (n)

/ˈɪnkʌm/ - money that someone earns 🎯 Context in Unit: The business reality of designers. 🔗 Collocations: main source of income [nguồn thu nhập chính], high income. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Career as designer) I would not want a career as a designer because the income can be unstable compared to engineering. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Do you think a high income is the most important factor in a job?

43. extract (v)

/ɪkˈstrækt/ - to remove something from a particular place 🎯 Context in Unit: Academic review word. 🔗 Collocations: extract information [trích xuất thông tin]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Napping puzzle experiment) The researchers wanted to extract data on how brain waves change when participants enter N1 sleep. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Is it painful to have a tooth extracted?

44. interact (v)

/ˌɪntərˈækt/ - to communicate or do things with other people/objects 🎯 Context in Unit: How humans use everyday objects. 🔗 Collocations: interact with technology [tương tác với công nghệ]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Good vs bad design) A well-designed product makes it easy for the user to interact with it naturally, without stress or confusion. ⚡ Actionable Practice: How often do you interact with native English speakers?

45. off the top of my head (id)

/ɔf ðə tɒp ʌv maɪ hɛd/ - without thinking carefully or checking facts 🎯 Context in Unit: Brainstorming ideas in a speaking exam. 🔗 Collocations: guess off the top of my head [đoán ngay lập tức]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: VR uses) Off the top of my head, I think VR would be amazing for historical tours, letting people walk through ancient Rome. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Off the top of your head, what is the population of your country?

46. ring true (id)

/rɪŋ truː/ - seem to be correct 🎯 Context in Unit: Agreeing with a partner's argument. 🔗 Collocations: ring true for someone [nghe có vẻ đúng với ai đó]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Norman doors problem) Norman's argument definitely rings true for me; I constantly push doors that say "pull" because the handle confuses me. ⚡ Actionable Practice: If someone says "Hard work always pays off," does that ring true to you?

47. status (n)

/ˈsteɪtəs/ - respect or importance of a person/thing 🎯 Context in Unit: Academic review word. 🔗 Collocations: social status [địa vị xã hội], high status. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Design vs Price) Many people buy expensive, poorly designed phones simply to show off their social status. ⚡ Actionable Practice: What brands give people high social status in your culture?

48. substitute (n)

/ˈsʌbstɪtuːt/ - a thing that replaces another, similar thing 🎯 Context in Unit: Alternative materials in design. 🔗 Collocations: suitable substitute [sự thay thế phù hợp]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Umbrella solutions) We should find an environmentally friendly substitute for the cheap plastic used in umbrellas. ⚡ Actionable Practice: When baking, what is a good substitute for butter?

49. Intuitive (adj)

/ɪnˈtuːɪtɪv/ - easy to use or understand without needing to be taught 🎯 Context in Unit: The ultimate goal of solving the "Norman door" problem and achieving Dieter Rams' principle #4. 🔗 Collocations: highly intuitive, intuitive interface [giao diện trực quan]. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Design a door) If a door has a completely flat metal plate, its design is highly intuitive because users naturally know they must push it. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Which application on your smartphone has the most intuitive design?

50. Ergonomic (adj)

/ˌɜːrɡəˈnɒmɪk/ - designed to be comfortable and safe for the human body 🎯 Context in Unit: Essential for evaluating everyday objects (chairs, VR headsets, tools) physically. 🔗 Collocations: ergonomic design [thiết kế công thái học], ergonomic chair. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Are objects well-designed?) Early VR headsets were terrible because they lacked an ergonomic design and caused severe neck pain after ten minutes. ⚡ Actionable Practice: CCQ: If a keyboard makes your wrists hurt, is it ergonomic?

51. Envisage (v)

/ɪnˈvɪzɪdʒ/ - to imagine or expect something in the future, especially something good 🎯 Context in Unit: Directly targets the prompt asking how VR helps people "see" designs before they exist. 🔗 Collocations: envisage a future [hình dung một tương lai], difficult to envisage. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: VR objects) VR allows buyers to accurately envisage how a massive piece of furniture will fit into their small apartment. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Can you envisage a future where students use VR instead of going to physical schools?

52. Counterproductive (adj)

/ˌkaʊntərprəˈdʌktɪv/ - having the opposite of the desired effect 🎯 Context in Unit: Useful for criticizing bad designs or evaluating "over-designed" items with too many features. 🔗 Collocations: highly counterproductive [phản tác dụng cao], prove counterproductive. 📝 Interactive/Critical Example: (Answering: Rams' principles) Adding 20 different buttons to a television remote is completely counterproductive, as it only frustrates the user instead of helping them. ⚡ Actionable Practice: Is staying up all night before an exam helpful or counterproductive?