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Section Editor: Louise Chidgey, SVP, Content - Product Design
We are oversaturated with information in today’s
fast-paced daily life. But a growing number of
consumers are seeking quiet, contemplative
spaces as well as uncomplicated products and
objects with minimal aesthetics.
Less is More – the phrase coined by the king
of modernism Mies Van der Rohe that has become
the slogan for minimalism – still rings true. So,
too, does Dieter Ram’s Less is Better, highlighting
the importance of products that are simple and
honest both in materials and in construction,
exhibiting clarity in their design and possessing an
intuitive appeal to the consumer.
In fashion, garments that stand out by
virtue of their simplicity encourage understated
sophistication and a sustainable, luxurious quality.
In product design, familiar, functional objects
with pared-back, clean, unobtrusive qualities can
champion a philosophy of careful craftsmanship.
With this in mind, consumers show a desire to
understand the heritage, roots and techniques
involved in the creation of products. For designers,
developing an emotional connection between
the consumer and the product may not be a new
concept, but it is a powerful means of reinforcing
customer confidence in uncertain times, instilling
products with a sense of worth and value. The
key is to use familiar materials, while translating
memories and nostalgia into new products with a
clearly understandable narrative.
Oigen Kitchenware
© Japanese Collective
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Consumer Product