Designing Relationships

The documentary Objectified by Gary Hustwit highlights our relationship with manufactured objects as well as the designers who design them. In the film, everything from gardening tools, to laptops, to vegetable peelers is discussed.  Ultimately all that surrounds us has been designed. It is our personal relationship with those objects however, that test the object’s true purpose.  In the movie one of the designers gives an important anecdote about this theory. Imagine your house was on fire. You can only grab a few things with you when you make your escape, so what would you grab? You will take with you the most meaningful objects because they review what your personal narrative is—who you are. When designing objects, this is what truly matters in the end.           

            My favorite example of current product design is the designs of Apple electronics. Apple has produced ipods, laptops, iphones, and computer accessories, all which have gained popularity because of their applications and especially because of their sleek designs. Jonathon Ive, the senior vice president of Industrial Design at Apple, points out that their designs are made to have a different appearance in relation to their purpose. It is this simplistic camouflage that revolves around the design principle that less is more. Ironic as it is, these designs have gained a large following.  The reasoning behind such high sales revenue is largely due to the innovative applications of their electronics but it is also because of their design. Apple’s designs are centered on hiding their products functions. This business paradox showcases the current trend in customer taste: function without fuss.

            As seen in the examples of Apple products, the customer’s relationship is key.  When designing products one must remember that these are products that will help interpret a person’s individuality. We are able to learn about who we are and who we want to be by the objects that surround us. A true design is a means of silent communication. A true design is a personal reflection. Finally, a true design has the ability of finding its place in society and in our hearts. 

 

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