Objectified Response

Wow, watching Objectified is like sitting down to a three course meal of design. Afterwards it takes a bit of time to digest (mentally, that is). There's something for design enthusiasts no matter what you're interested in, unifing everything in a conceptual family of ideas. Certainly an essential piece of design thesis documentation for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of the relationship we have with the objects we surround and involve ourselves with.

Objectified by Gary Hustwit is a comprehensive documentary on design and it's critical deconstruction, referencing the ethos of many past and present design superstars. As a young designer I feel that it is important to listen to design figures and piece together information as we build our own design philosophy and approach. Objectified puts emphasis on how an object speaks to someone, the story an object tells and how users of a product interact with it physically, mentally and emotionally. Understanding that when designing we are not trying to emulate an idea of something 'looking good' or 'being chic', but more embodying an idea or emotion in a real life object. Seemingly to me, as my own understanding of design grows with each passing day, aesthetics are something that is reached peripherally as a designer takes functionality and gives it personality. And good design is something that consumers engage with, as they feel that they connect with an object.

I noticed a theme in Objectified saying that the idea of good design communicating and forming relationships with users is ongoing, however aesthetics and style date and change. It is stated that the microchip made objects with tangibility and semantics evolve to be intangible and mysterious. The technological revolution and it's products require and understanding and involvement with them. Another very valid point that I find as intimidating as I do inspiring and exciting was referencing the importance of considering sustainability in design. Designers nowadays are faced with the same challenges and opportunities as always, but with the added need to create environmentally stable products. However, I feel that this makes way for a whole new generation of green products that express their sustainability through aesthetics as well as functionality and lifecycle processes. Consumers want a product that emulates their personality, and what better way to express a sophisticated and conscious respect for our environment than with an overtly 'green' product?

To save myself for a 5000 word essay and a myriad of minor details I feel that collectively Objectified highlights the importance of communicating to and engaging with people through design. I believe this in turn creates an understanding of the complexity of design. An ability to create something that will cause a stranger to desire and lust for upon seeing, then connect with when interacting with it and essentially have a continuing positive relationship with requires an vast understanding of human senses. As attraction to worldly things is something often subconscious and hard to define, execution of that attraction requires extreme skill.

If you haven't already, do yourself a favour and watch here:
http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/objectified/