Memoirs of an Object.

‘memory’ is a chair of unlimited forms. its design is completed through the alteration
of its silhouette. for the project, yoshioka developed a special fabric made with recycled aluminum,
which he has used to create a chair that transforms and memorizes its shape upon use.

‘this chair might remind us of the beauty in nature with its ever-changing expression,
and also create impressions as if there is no presence of design.’ - TY

According to Ver Bien Para Aprender Mejor (‘‘See Well to Learn Better’’), a program sponsored by the Mexican government, about one-tenth of the country’s children do poorly in school simply because they can’t see well. That’s not just because glasses are expensive, but also because in Mexico they’re often perceived as evidence of a handicap. In an attempt to address both problems, Ver Bien turned to the industrial designer Yves Béhar, who, as the creator of the One Laptop Per Child XO (the original $100 computer), has earned a reputation as a maker of inexpensive, attractive products for kids in the developing world. Béhar designed a set of split frames, which makes the glasses less costly to assemble in the field and lets kids customize them using a smorgasbord of color options. ‘‘They’re at the intersection of practicality and personal expression,’’ Béhar says. With the help of Augen, the manufacturer, Ver Bien can keep the total cost — including an eye exam and shipping — at just $10. This year alone, it will give away 400,000 pairs. ‘‘This is about using the very best not to make the most expensive product,’’ Béhar says, ‘‘but to make the most valuable product — and to make it efficiently.’’

NYTIMES T Magazine

Experiment Two

Aim: To find out more about objects association with memory and experience.

Method:
Projective technique: By using a series of prompts, we want to ask a classroom of 2nd years to draw personal objects they remember from particualr points in their lives. The time periods we will specify are from: 0-5 years, 5-10years 10-15years, and 15-20years. They will have 1minute for each time period. After drawing, we will ask is they still own the object they have drawn and ask them to write in on the back of their drawing.

Results:
(watch this space)

Experiment One done

AIM:
To find out what people value in objects (that they possess) and why.

METHOD:
We asked a small sample (6-8) of our peers to take our disposable camera, and shoot four snaps of four of their most valued objects in their bedroom.

RESULTS:
By analzing the developed prints we were able to group the photos into four categories of value; Functional, Sentimental (objetcs with previous lives), Gifted objects, and Objects that were representational of a persons identity.

Something that we found interesting was the way something can be valued at that point in time, and how that may possibliy change in the future (temporal value). Something else to note, how do you class value as superficial? Is it even possible?

These results will inform Experiment 2

Better quality photos click here

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this also relates to the PROBLEM/WHY in our introductions and abstract. just skip to the consumption part of the movie and watch the interview. GOOD STUFF

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

i know this is wiki and can’t be quoted or sourced for our essays but the idea behind it is really good for our introductions. it’s all about consumerism of a product and how we are tricked or taught to consume at such rapid rates

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_obsolescence

…new initiative called ‘Co-Create London’. This is aimed at addressing the Capital’s main issues and annoyances by listening to the people who know the City best – the general public. Whether they’ve lived In London their whole life or just passed through, Co-Create London is asking people to answer a very simple question – ‘What Would You Do To make London A Better Place?’.

http://www.facegroup.co.uk/co-create-london-initial-results