Objectified.

Relationships are developed between humans and objects within seconds as we all subconsciously make assumptions at our first glance. We assume the object’s function, how well it completes its job, cost and even how heavy or light it weighs. These split second subconscious decisions form an opinion that Objectified explores although not only from the consumers but as well as the people who design them. We are provided an insight into the practice of well-known industrial designers and how their relationship with a product is developed on over time.

We are pointed out the numerous common everyday objects that we all take advantage of. From as soon as we wake up in the morning until we go back to sleep later on that night we utilize many objects from pens to cars to even knives and forks. Although we use these objects everyday we do not realize the amount of time and decisions that has been put in to make the object what it is today. Each product has a story and is embedded with decisions by industrial designers that have re-examined, re-evaluated and eventually re-invented.

Apple is one of the few companies left in the world that takes design seriously and Jonathon Ive provides the audience a look into how the Macbook Air is created and how the experiments of different processes become to be the final product. Ive explains how a sense of hierarchy is needed to determine and establish what is of high priority in the specific design. Despite the uniqueness of apple’s products, they do not follow the traditional ‘form follows function’ causes people to question the design.

Australian Industrial designer Marc Newson is inspired by everyday objects that he collects or ‘things he finds interesting’. He has been highly influenced through significant events throughout his life such as the landing on the moon, but he explains that he bases his designs not on the past but how he can utilize these ideas for in the future. Newson points out that he tries to make his products to last and not wear away although not just the product itself but also the consumer wants to keep. This is apposed to new technology that will last a year and will want a new product in a years time.

The documentary provides different perspectives on how design is not straight forward there are many factors which influence the final product and even when buying as using the product. Design is not simple it plays with the ideas of consumerism, personal expression, sustainability and identity.