Response to "Objectified"

Samantha Levine

8/31/11

Response to “Objectified”

            Directly after watching the documentary Gary Hustwit’s “Objectified”, I began to look at objects from a brand new light and perspective.  My new sense of design began when the opening scene of this documentary appeared with the careful manufacturing of a white, plastic chair.  Each chair took time to make, and this truly taught me that most people do not even consider the time, dedication, thought, and aesthetics that go into one single object.  Through this interesting and captivating documentary, I learned that designers are problem solvers, good designers stick within guidelines, and designers know how to make something beautiful, yet usable.

            Good designers must be good problem solvers.  For example, in one part of the documentary, it was talked about how people with arthritis used to have trouble using the older fashioned potato peelers because of their handles.  But, through good designers and creative ideas, the new, modern potato peelers have a handle with the feel of a bike grip in order to make it easier to grip it for those people with arthritis.  Just as smaller children find it easier to hold larger crayons, the same applies to the people with arthritis.  Another example that was shown through the documentary was the invention of an easier-grip weed cutter.  This weed cutter was re-designed to have dips in the handles to lock one’s grip into place so the hands won't slip when doing yard work.  This documentary made me realize that design is helpful to society, and even the smallest of innovations or changes can help improve the simple things in life.

            Not only are designers good problem solvers, but I also learned that they must make designs that are contained within certain criteria.  Dieter Rams provides ten rules of good design, which includes simplicity, and durability.  It dawned on me that good design must not be overdone, just like Apple’s products.  Their products have very simple lines and shapes, and therefore its sleekness attracts positive attention.  From this, I learned that an overly designed object trying too look flashy receives less attention than a design with a clean cut and simple look.  Secondly, a good design is durable.  Designs, as described in the documentary, should either last forever, or be disposable.  If the design lasts for a time in between, then what is the point of the existence of the design?  Therefore, every design should fall under the rules of Dieter Rams in order to be most successful.

            Finally, designers know how to make objects beautiful, yet usable.  For example, one of the designers in the documentary showed two types of vacuums: one was shaped like a cone, and the other was a normal Dyson vacuum seen in an average household.  The one shaped like a cone could be seen on a mantle as a decoration, and not just a vacuum.  Good design has a double purpose, and that is truly an element that I will always use for my future work.   Through this documentary, I learned that design is more than just the creation of something.  It’s about designers who are problem solvers, good designers who stick within guidelines, and designers who know how to make something beautiful, yet usable.  From this outstanding documentary, I know now that creating an innovative design can truly change humanity and how we function.