Form & Content: Objectified

 “Every object tells a story if you know how to read it” a quote from Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company.

The documentary film Objectified, by Gary Hustwit examines the role of everyday objects in our daily lives and the people who design them. When we first pick up an object we may not think about how much thought and work was put into that product that we use on a daily base. There is a reason why products are made the way they are, and it is not only for the aesthetic appearance.

Charles Eames from the film Design Q&A quotes, “Design is a method of action. Design depends on constraints.” The action of designing depends on constraints. The constraints come from the context of where the design will be, how it will be used, what will it be used for. The consumer’s interaction with the design will develop a relationship that will determine advantages and disadvantages that designers must work with.

Objectified discusses the role of a designer using the method of design thinking. With the constraints in mind, designers must question what form the design take, considering the visual aspect; the color, texture, composition, etc. The form of the design must also be related to the content, questioning whether or not design effectively communicates the message. It is important that the design must be functional and meet the required needs of the people. It must create an environment where people understand the design and feel comfortable with it. What is good design?

Design is everywhere and we use designed products everyday in our daily lives. Design is ever changing and improving and it is also changing the way we live our lives. Gary Hustwit’s Objectified documentary film, demonstrates the importance of our interaction and relationship with design in society. 

Credits: http://connect.in.com/
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First Impressions

Though some may say, “It doesn’t matter what you look on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that counts.” Though it is true, what is on the inside matters, but what appears on the outside also matters.

During class, we viewed a trailer of a film called objectified. As quoted from the film, “When you see an object, you make so many assumptions about that object in seconds. What it does, How well it’s going to do it, How much you think it’s going to cost.”

I agree with the statement from this film because I think it is very true. I also think that these assumptions do not only apply to objects, but they can apply to people too. No matter how hard we try to resist from judging other people based on their appearance, it will always be in the back of our minds to judge them somehow. I think it is in human nature because our minds are wandering to figure out, who is this person, when we don’t know them yet, so we make automatic assumptions.

That is why first impressions are so important. It can determine our futures, whether or not we get that job, or make that new friend, or meet our true soul mate. The same can be applied to the design. The design of an object can determine whether or not the consumer will buy the product. The consumer will automatically make assumptions about that product before they buy it. Is it attractive? Useful? Interesting? These are things to consider. Not only are first impressions are important for people, they are also important for design.



Credits:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9E2D2PaIcI&feature=player_embedded