Read the following article “Designer Tom Dixon Unveils His ‘Secret’ Project With Ikea” (Links to an external site.)and write a reflection on how it connects with the themes of our class. How does it relate to your work this semester? Do you aspire towards similar practices in your final project? Does it change how you think about mass produced designs?
The idea in this article, transforming what people thought was easily disposable (IKEA furniture) into something more special and valuable, really connects with the themes of sustainability. This idea also aligns with Long Life Design criteria, incorporating the idea of repairing, to make the furniture long lasting. I like this picture from the article – the red blanket makes the sofa/bed look more visually compelling, and it definitely doesn’t look like a cheap furniture. The add-on idea makes the furniture really special and link users’ personal/emotional attachment to it. I do aspire towards similar practices in my final project – the flower arrangement idea is quite similar – adding aesthetic aspects to broken pieces. The article changed how I think about mass produced designs. IKEA really shows their care about sustainability and what they’re trying to do is of great value.
Post a draft of your systems map AND your repair/resiliency story. See project brief for details.
