Derelicte

The most influential design related book I have read is Glimmer. I read it when feeling deflated about the whole materialistic nature of the design world and the insights of Warren Berger changed my whole attitude on design causing me to realize how much positive influence it can have on the world. I was introduced to the genius of Bruce Mau and many influential design companies such as Architecture for Humanity, Project H Design and fuseproject. It ascertains that anyone with an idea and the willpower can achieve exciting, progressive and beneficial designs to the world.

 http://www.protectthehuman.com/50

This kind of work correlates with design companies that have produced remarkable campaigns for different charities and NGO’s. A dedicated supporter of Amnesty International, I have kept my eye out for their campaigns that without fail always provoke. They compel you to look twice to consider the significance of the message. Here are some images from past Amnesty campaigns that deliver strong messages.

The Troy Davies campaign in 2010 was a bold pursuit to gain support for the death row inmate’s case. His face appears fixed onto railings to give the impression of prison bars and can only be seen from one angle of the poster installation.

http://www.thecoolhunter.co.uk/art 

He spent over 19 years on death row despite serious doubts about his conviction; devastatingly he lost his case on the 21^st September 2011.

Shan Annabelle Valla has a similar approach; her signature elegant style and textural products are a subtle twist on the ordinary.

Goldtop porcelain milk bottle

http://www.shanvalla.co.uk/

There are also objects we disregard or do not care to think about such as a toothbrush, curtain rail or kettle. I love the work of designers that rewrite the rules of everyday objects and transform the ‘ordinary’ into something even more worth thinking about. Dominic Wilcox is a prime example as he adds humour and wit to the things we take for granted. Bringing in a new thoughtful perspective on the everyday.

 http://www.dominicwilcox.com/watchsculptures.htm

I have always been interested by the banality of everyday objects. They are often overlooked but are integral to every aspect of our lives. 

In the Comfort of Things Daniel Miller suggests that our affinity and respect towards inanimate objects can reflect upon our relationships with people. He refers to Mr. Clark, a father and husband,

“The connection between the way he cares for stamps or Christmas ornaments and the way he has cared for people throughout his life is not one of analogy.”

Instead of emphasis on our materialist and consumerist culture I feel Miller advocates a new perspective on what objects mean to us. He explores whether the objects we possess can reflect who we are as a person. I strongly believe this to be true as we make choices throughout our life on what we hold valuable and worth keeping. One only has to look around someone’s bedroom to see what music they like, what photos of friends and family they display and what is in their wardrobe. Miller affirms that,

“these things are not a random collection. They have gradually accumulated an expression of that person or household.”

Thus we appear to create emotional attachments to inanimate objects and habitually personify the objects that hold a level of importance to us. How do you feel about your camera, favourite pen or book? And what does it say about you?

This idea reminds me of the MTV programme called Room Raiders. A contestant has the opportunity to search 3 single girls’ or guys’ rooms and then choose to go on a date with one of them based upon what they found in their room without seeing their photo.

But what about the people with little to no possessions how do they express themselves how do they create a home of ones own? A brilliant book that I read recently called Low Cost Design by Danielle Perra illustrates how creative people can be to adapt to situations with very little money or resources.

These kind of multidisciplinary objects could inspire other fields of product design such as: design for small spaces, multifunctional objects or camouflaged products.

The word ‘design’ seems to be seeping into every facet of life. Once attributed to an exclusive and luxury object, hand-made piece of furniture or high fashion the power of ‘design’ has been discovered bythe real world. If something is ‘designed’, ‘designer’ or ‘design’ it implies creativity and uniqueness but now all variations of the word are stamped onto every branded object to signify it’s seeming integrity. The word is being thrown around inappropriately devaluing any meaning it originally held. Use design sparingly and meaningfully. Save it for the real design.