Objectified

Photo Courtesy of: http://www.objectifiedfilm.com/

Gary Hustwit's film "Objectified" highlighted the importance of looking at how form expresses itself through the object, either artistically, through symbolism, function, etc. One designer commented that designers today should "become cultural generators... intellectuals of the future". The general consensus of the designers featured in the film was that of simplicity, a "moving forward" attitude, and ingenuity. It can be said that people want to see how a product would fit into their lives- the human-object relationship, therefore, demands a personal expression of form. Because consumers project themselves on products, i.e. we often project ourselves in a space and imagine how it will impact our lives, design should be "useful, simple, unobtrusive, understandable, and as little design as possible"- mentioned one German designer.

Many people feel like a product should work and perform for them. For example, Apple's iPod does all the work for users by playing music, storing data, connecting to the internet, etc. Most importantly, Hustwit stressed the idea about how design should be doing something that is contributive. Karim Rashid commented on society's current issue- "are the things we are doing really making an effect and making change?" Rashid emphasized the importance of adapting to society's needs, and the need to identify with today's digital age. People change and design too should move forward with an advancing society.