Objectified

Gary Hustwit, producer of Helvetica, reminds us that design is a fundamental part of our world through his compelling documentary, Objectified. This film explores the intimate relationship between manufactured objects and the people who make and own them. Through conversations of some of the most influential designers in the world, the film emanates vital principals of design: personal expression, identity, consumerism, and sustainability.

In the opening scene the narrator describes that upon seeing or interacting with an object one makes many assumptions about that object within seconds. Alice Rawsthorn describes that the goal of modern day design is mass production: standardized objects that will serve millions and millions of people. Many of the best examples of industrial design are inconspicuous. In our everyday routines we unknowingly employ many different objects ranging from a fork to a toothbrush.

The film conveys the notion that designers aim to improve people’s lives without them even knowing it. This is seen in creations such as the OXO peeler. Dan Formosa indicates that designers look at extremes rather than medians. For if you create a design that caters to the needs of the special-case, then your product will ultimately serve the normal-case. This concept was applied in creating a revamped design for the peeler, one in which would serve people with arthritis through its rubberized bicycle-like grip.

Dieter rams outlines the principals for good industrial design: innovative, useful, aesthetic, understandable, honest, unobtrusive, long-lived, consistent, environmentally friendly, and simple. Apple is one such company who has demonstrated these concepts through the versatile and simplistic design of its products.

The film also touches upon one of the biggest issues our world faces today: trash. With each year, our world becomes more and more overrun by trash. Keeping the environment in mind, designers stress the need to integrate principals of sustainability and personal expression in design. They explain that a well-designed object will withstand the test of time; it will become better and more satisfying with use. And ultimately these objects become a fundamental part in our lives that define who we are and our personal narrative. Chris Bangle, former design director for BMW, explains that automobiles, which have “faces” and subliminally convey certain characteristics, are one such product that identify people’s personalities.

Overall Objectified was a very though provoking and interesting film. It was educational but also very inspirational. Most importantly, it helped me to realize the fundamental role manufactured objects play in each person’s life. The film left me questioning the role of important objects in my life and what they express about me as a person. This film further cements my desire to pursue a career in design.