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Synopsis
When and why did the turntable morph from playback device to musical instrument? Why have mobile phones evolved changeable skins? How many meanings can one attach to such mundane things as tennis balls? The answers to such questions illustrate this provocative book, which examines the cultural meanings of things and the role of designers in their design and production.
Designing Things provides the reader with a map of the rapidly changing field of design studies, a subject which now draws on a diverse range of theories and methodologies - from philosophy and visual culture, to anthropology and material culture, to media and cultural studies. With clear explanations of key concepts - such as form language, planned obsolescence, object fetishism, product semantics, consumer value and user needs - overviews of theoretical foundations and case studies of historical and contemporary objects, Designing Things looks behind-the-scenes and beneath-the-surface at some of our most familiar and iconic objects.
Contents
Introduction
Theorizing Things: Disciplinary Diversity in Thinking about Objects
Valued Possessions: What are Things Worth?
Making Things: Labor in Production
Producing Things: A History of Systems of Manufacture
Beautiful Things: The Aesthetics of Surfaces
The Greed Imperative: User Needs in Product Design
Planned Obsolescence: Unsustainable Consumption
Objects as Signs: What do Things Mean?
The Obsession of Possession: Fetish Objects
Conclusion
See more at designingthings.org
Prasad Boradkar is Associate Professor of Industrial Design and Director of InnovationSpace at Arizona State University.
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About the Author
Prasad Boradkar is Associate Professor of Industrial Design and Director of InnovationSpace at Arizona State University.
Review
“A must read for those interested in the world of things. It explains complicated theoretical texts in ways that will delight readers.” ―David Brody, Parsons The New School for Design
“A lucid introduction to many of the theoretical perspectives that exist around objects and their design. For students it provides a deep understanding of the social meanings of design in both its production and consumption and the ethical issues that these raise” ―Guy Julier, Leeds Metropolitan University
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- PublisherBerg Publishers
- Publication date2010
- ISBN 10 1845204271
- ISBN 13 9781845204273
- BindingPaperback
- LanguageEnglish
- Edition number1
- Number of pages338
- Rating
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Designing Things: A Critical Introduction to the Culture of Objects
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Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, United Kingdom, London, 2010
ISBN 10: 1845204271
ISBN 13: 9781845204273
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. When and why did the turntable morph from playback device to musical instrument? Why have mobile phones evolved changeable skins? How many meanings can one attach to such mundane things as tennis balls? The answers to such questions illustrate this provocative book, which examines the cultural meanings of things and the role of designers in their design and production. Designing Things provides the reader with a map of the rapidly changing field of design studies, a subject which now draws on a diverse range of theories and methodologies - from philosophy and visual culture, to anthropology and material culture, to media and cultural studies.With clear explanations of key concepts - such as form language, planned obsolescence, object fetishism, product semantics, consumer value and user needs - overviews of theoretical foundations and case studies of historical and contemporary objects, Designing Things looks behind-the-scenes and beneath-the-surface at some of our most familiar and iconic objects. Click here to visit the companion website! The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR007595006
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