Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Bibliography additions

Hawkins, G., and S. Mueke eds. "Culture and Waste: The Creation and Destruction of Value." Oxford: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 2003.

Cummings, N., and M. Lewandowska. "The Value of Things." Basel; Boston; Berlin: Birkhauser, 2000.

Honore, C. "In Praise of Slow." Toronto: Alfred A. Knopf Canada, 2004.

Werner, C., and D. Bell, eds. "Values and Valuables: From the Sacred to the Symbolic." Oxford: Alta Mira Press, 2004.

Candlin, F., and R. Guins, eds. "The Object Reader." New York: Routledge, 2009.

Papanek, V. "Design for the Real World: Second Edition/ Completely Revised." Chicago: Academy Chicago Printers, 1984.

More from Fast Company

Masters of Design 2010

Design is the Problem


Book description here

Interview with author Nathan Shedroff here

Heirlooms in Waiting

Fast Company article says:

"Designed to wow and created to last, these heirlooms-in-waiting are an antidote to throwaway consumerism in this era of disposable goods."






Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Sherry Turkle Quote

"We live our lives in the middle of things. Material culture carries emotions and ideas of startling intensity. Yet only recently have objects begun to receive the attention they deserve."

- Evocative Objects, p6

Monday, September 20, 2010

Value in context?

Objects hold value when they are given meaning. This could be through context, or by storytelling. An item with no story and no context becomes forgotten and abandoned.

There is humour and truth in this concept of the "Instant Heirloom".

Monday, September 13, 2010

Question:

Is it recyclable?, biodegradable?, reusable?,
adaptable? upgradeable?, cherishable?, etc..

Eternally Yours


Billions of products virtually die before their time has come. This book maps out ways in which they can be designed and planned in such a way that their value can be sustained to keep them in use for a longer time. 'Time in Design' is about one of those ideal future products. It tells the story of Vivian, a name representing any product. The life of Vivian is retraced back from the preconception through the times of development, purchase and era of use, right until oblivion. With text contributions by Brian Eno and John Thackara, and designed by Thonik.

Production without Destruction

Ecodesign Foundation in Sydney, Australia created the concept of "sustainments". Sustainments are defined as mechanisms for betterment – product longevity, emotional durability and modularity are strong examples.

Raw Nerve: Life is Suite

LINK

An abandoned sofa is given new meaning and new life

Natalie Jeremijenko

How Stuff is Made

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Orestad College in Copenhagan

Article here

Design Ignites Change

This is a fantastic website that encourage students to use design thinking to explore and create solutions for pressing social problems

Website here

Innovation and Environment


Great article about new books that encourage the networking and exchange of ideas; some environments are breeding grounds for innovation:


NY Times Article

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Liz Coleman's TED talk

Essentially, taking liberal arts and making vital connections with education and public good, intellectual integrity and human freedom...

Impulse to change the world, enhancing the public good, making a significant and sustainable difference...