Physical Objects

The lecture from Ian Roberts centred upon objects and how they are a part of everything that we do. He begins by discussing the notion of an archetype, that we like to take the archetype and create our own version. He offers the example of chairs and table lamps and that their design never differs greatly. These objects unlike mobile phones with their quick moving generations are more static in their design. Wether this implies that they have a greater value? Or that they have reached their limit is something I would like to explore further.

He suggests that objects all have certain rules, language and vocabulary that they follow. Apple offers a good example of how by limiting the vocabulary of an object you can create excellent design. This vocabulary as I touched upon in my summary of Janet's lecture is something undeveloped in e-book design. The layout of e-books is yet unmapped. It lacks a consistent language which is creating the state of flux in industry and the anxiety which comes with that. Once a language has been established for the e-reader it will become much stabler an easier to use. For me this will happen only once someone has made the right sort of reader. The i-pad doesn't quite work as a reader and the kindle still feels quite slow and clunky.

Ian goes on to discuss the difference between craft and mass production. The notion of a value being added by being able to see the makers hand. This is something I have already been considering, along with the idea of authenticity as being valuable. Ian also considers the value of one persons a mundane object to another culture. He offers the example of lightbulbs being collected in India simply as the collector considers them a beautiful object.

Ian also looks at Baudrillard's system of objects. Something that has already been a strong influence on my research. He begins to touch upon collecting and our motivations behind it. He offers the Freudian theory that childhoods latency period and for middle-aged man collecting has the most importance. As the collection acts a replacement for their sexuality. He considers the object as an insentient dog. Something that reflects back the owners feelings, giving them pleasure.

These are all themes that I have begun to touch upon in my strategies of thought essay as well as in my wider research. As there is so much correlation between Ian's lecture and my subject I think that being part of his seminar group will be a great way to deepen my understanding of the topics.