adaptation =' gunning, e. (2011) ©

7/31/2019 'Adaptation =' Gunning, E. (2011)

1/47


2/47


3/47


4/47

Contents

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


5/47

Introduction

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Philosophy and Rationale

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Statement

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Meanings

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Research

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Objects- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Formula

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Objects

Chair plus One [Chair . 1]

All Angles [Mirror . 1]

The Choice is Yours [Saucepan . 1]

Space Saver [Table . 1]

Re-Sculpt [Chair . 2]

Death of the Clothes Peg [Hanger . 1]

Be more Resourceful [Chair . 3]

Pan to Plate [Saucepan . 2]

Sleeps One, Sits Two [Sofa Bed . 1]

Coffee or Dinner? [Table . 2]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Conclusion: A Tool for Designers- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Appendix One: The Six Key Drivers

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

References

Contents

6

9

10

11

12

14

16

19

20

22

24

26

28

32

34

36

38

40

42

44

46


6/47

Introduction

This is a project about products, longevity and consumer behaviour. It

began with the creation of The Six Key Drivers (see appendix one), asix-point framework created to provide a tool for designers to aid them in

the design process. The Drivers, each of which consists of one word with

a description and denition, identify and summarize the factors which en-

courage emotional durability within objects. The designer can then apply

these when creating objects.

From researching and testing the Drivers it became apparent that one

word encapsulated all. This word is Adaptation. This derives from the

word Adapt, which is dened in the dictionary as 1. To adjust (someoneor something, esp. oneself) to different conditions, a new environment,

etc [and] 2. To t, change, or modify to suit a new or different purpose .

From this it seemed logical to use this word, that acts as an umbrella over

the Drivers, as the basis to create a formula for a product proposal.

But what needs to be re-worked within the madeworld? What is thrown away?

Well, everything.

Photographs taken at Wandsworth Household Waste Centre (2010)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


7/47


8/47

In Britain we throw away ten million items of furniture every day . This,

along with the fact that the population is growing rapidly with an increaseof 10 million predicted over the next 24 years (according to the Ofce

for National Statistics), gives a bleak outlook for the future of natural re-

sources and increasing damage to the planet. As a result of this rise in

the population, space is becoming scarcer and households are becom-

ing smaller, yet more and more people are consuming, resulting in more

waste and the risk that resources will run out sooner rather than later.

Image source: New Scientist http://ehrun.wordpress.com/depletion/

Introduction


9/47


10/47

The Statement

Consumers are more likely to keep objects for lon-ger, thus creating a stronger relationship with the ob-

ject, if said object is adaptable in various senses ofthe word. The adaptability of the object will bring ahalt to whole things being discarded and replaced atthe rate they are today.

Consumers and designers need to change their mindsets and see that

objects should be easily xed, and adaptable, sometimes with customis-

able or upgradeable parts, sometimes (but not always) for a slightly high-

er price, as opposed to ending up as waste after only a year of use due to

their poor quality or our boredom.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


11/47


12/47

Research

This statement was tested by conducting interviews and using question-

naires with a selection of people of both sexes aged between 16 and 60.87% agreed with the statement, with one anonymous participant com-

menting:

Yes. Items that are multifunctional and consistently

work are defnitely more likely to stay in the home

for longer. If it is adaptable aesthetically it can move

from home to home and still work within the interiordesign. As well as this, if the object has more than

one use I would defnitely be more likely to keep this

item for longer for various reasons, i.e space sav-

ing.

The interview and questionnaire participants were also asked a variety of

questions about household objects in order to gain an insight into what

it is that is thrown away, and it seemed that other than the obvious items

such as mugs, glass and crockery, the things discarded or replaced most

frequently are those owned in multiples. The word cloud on the opposite

page represents the multiple objects; the size of the words reects the

number of people who answered with that particular word, when asked:

Which household objects do you own in multiples?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


13/47

Research

13


14/47

The Objects

The household objects within this book, which have a uniform lab-like

quality, represent simple and straightforward ideas. The adaptive partsof each object are coloured bright orange, enabling the viewer to see at a

glance which parts change.

The forms are standardized in order to communi-cate an idea which incorporates user-interaction,multi-functionality and space-saving.

These objects range from furniture to kitchen items, objects which arenecessary even in those households with limited space. This is particu-

larly relevant to such problems of our age as the average household

shrinking*.

These products are aimed at consumers in their rst independent living

space, or those who regularly purchase domestic objects. The adaptive

quality of these objects means that instead of buying (and eventually

throwing away) two or three objects, consumers only need buy one.

Consumers and designers are often suspicious as to how well adaptive

items will work, and this collection highlights the important point that ob-

jects which embody adaptation need not be complicated. Two functions

are enough.

These ten brand-less object ideas have the potential to be developed

and manufactured, but that it not their primary role.

The collection is a series of sketch objects to stimu-late a part of the creative mind within designers to-day. They are examples and conversation startersof a different way of thinking about the multi-use ob-

ject.*http://news.stanford.edu/pr/03/households115.html

Image source: IKEA http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


15/47

The Objects

15


16/47

Formula

The work in this booklet has been created using a formula which can be

used in a wide variety of contexts in order to produce an adaptive object.Here is has been applied to objects, but it could equally be used with

clothes, buildings etc.

The Formula:

Adaptation

= To take standardized

objects which are often possessed inmultiples+ re-work in a simplistic way,with no frills, sometimes combiningobjects (function or aesthetics), giving

them a multi-use quality (function and/or aesthetics) which allows said objectsto adjust to different environmentsaccordingly. The adaptive function is anovert part of the object.

These ten objects exemplify this formula in a variety of ways; be it function

or aesthetics, each has a simple, clean design and is easy to use. This is

not about high-tech approaches to adaptive design, but more traditional

approaches embodying an affordance.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


17/47

Formula

17


18/47


19/47

Objects.

19


20/47

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Chair plus One [Chair . 1 ]

Chair plus One considers the problem of lack of surface or seating space.

The extra surface simply slides out, with two legs folding down for extrasupport. When no longer needed, it slides back into its original place un-

til the next occasion. It is to hand when required and takes up minimal

space.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


21/47

Objects

21


22/47

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

All Angles [Mirror . 1 ]

All Angles comprises the three main mirrors needed in every home: the

oor length mirror, the hand mirror and the magnied shaving mirror. Atrst glance only the oor length mirror can be seen; the additional mirrors

slide out on both sides and their angles can be easily adjusted to enable

the user to view their body from every angle and in close up.

Floor LengthMagnied

NormalFloor Length Floor Length

Extra mirrors behind Slide out extra mirrors Adjust

Floor Length Floor Length

Fold out 4th mirror Adjust

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


23/47

Objects

23


24/47

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Choice is Yours [Saucepan . 1 ]

The Choice is Yours has been designed to provide a multi-function pan

which will t neatly into the smallest kitchen cupboard. It is a triple tiersaucepan, with three lids and foldaway handles. This gives the choice of

different pan sizes and handle-types, and allows for easy-storage.

View 1 View 2 View 3: Shows how saucepan long handle worksMedium lid in medium pan

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


25/47

Objects

25


26/47

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Space Saver [Table . 1 ]

Space Saver provides a solution for those living in small spaces with

cramped sitting rooms, who are often unable to enjoy the luxury of a sidetable and have to balance their coffee on the arm of their chair or put their

wine glass on the oor, resulting in discomfort & the danger of spillage.

The table has a rotating tabletop and adjustable height and it also folds

at, tting neatly next to any settee or easy chair.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


27/47

Objects

27


28/47

Re-Sculpt [Chair . 2 ]

Re-Sculpt combines daily use and something for special occasions into

one object, and enables a piece of furniture to be transformed ratherthan replaced. This chair can shape-shift between every day use and

dinner party display with user-interaction. Inspired by a jigsaw, and using

magnets, shapes can be extracted from the legs and back of the chair,

and then placed at another designated point. Very satisfying for a simple

transformation.

ChairChair

Seat

5.

6.

7.

1.

2.3.

4.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


29/47

Objects

29


30/47


31/47

31


32/47

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Death of the Clothes Peg [Hanger . 1 ]

Death of the Clothes Peg provides an alternative to the standard ddly,

breakable clothes peg. Simply hang or clip wet clothes onto the hanger,then using the extra rubber-clad hook, hang it onto the washing line. The

rubber stops the hanger from sliding, and once the clothes are dry, they

can be unhooked from the line and hung directly in the wardrobe.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


33/47

Objects

33


34/47

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Be more Resourceful [Chair . 3 ]

Be more Resourceful presents an alternative to foldaway chairs which

often cause clutter. Within the skeleton of this chair are four components,which are easily removed and slotted together to create a stool for ad-

ditional seating.

Front: Chair Back:Removable parts

Removable partsbecome legs

Removable discbecomes seat

Slot legs and seattogether = Stool

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


35/47


36/47


37/47

Objects

37


38/47

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sleeps One, Sits Two [Sofa Bed . 1 ]

Sofa beds are a brilliant creation, but when the bed is pulled out, they take

up a lot of space. Sleeps One, Sits Two is the sofa bed reassessed. Thecentre part of the single size bed lifts up to create a sofa. Sleeps One, Sits

Two also contains a drawer for storing the duvet and pillow, or cushions,

depending on which function is being served.

Single Bed

Drawer

(In-built frame) Two-seater Sofa (In-built frame)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


39/47

Objects

39


40/47

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Coffee or Dinner? [Table . 2 ]

Coffee or Dinner is an answer to homes with very limited space. While

watching TV its good to have a low, unobtrusive coffee table for glasses,magazines & drinks, but for eating, studying etc a proper table is better.

This table solves this problem. With the simple folding of legs, this table

changes from a small dining table to a coffee table.

1.

2.

3.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


41/47

Objects

41


42/47

Conclusion: A Tool for Designers

This book is intended to be used as a tool by different design practitio-

ners to aid the re-assessment of the way things are designed and made.As technology advances, objects are rapidly becoming more and more

complex and we in turn are becoming ever more reliant on technology.

However, we may not be able to rely on it forever, so it is important to

continue to think about ways of re-working current analogue objects,

which are being replaced with objects operated by microchips, in order

to provide a longer shelf-life for analogue objects and a viable and sus-

tainable alternative to technology.

The formula shown at the start of this book is the perspective throughwhich each of the ten objects shown has been realised and created.

Each object is different from the next, and yet there are common factors:

each object still appears the same as the standard version, and yet with

a small amount of user-interaction, it can be transformed such as by

pulling something out, taking something apart, twisting or even just add-

ing a minute extra part.

This is, in a way, a manifesto about change, using a series of objects

to exemplify the benets of having multi-use parts thus saving space,

allowing aesthetic changes and making simple day to day tasks or

activities easier. This is also about re-thinking objects from a different

perspective so that they are adaptable. This means their life-cycle will

increase, fewer objects will need to be produced and there will be a

reduction in the amount of material used.

So the question is, how is this useful to Designers? Currently, new items

are being designed, made and discarded at an alarming rate. Designersneed to slow down and really consider the wider implications of what

they are doing, rather than simply full a brief. When creating their next

chair/ dress/ building, they could reect on such questions as:

How could it serve more than one purpose? Are there ways in which it

can be easily adjusted to change its look or function? Can certain things

be combined into one? If a part of it breaks, can it be repaired?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


43/47

43

Conclusion

It is hoped that this book will inspire designers to formulate ways in

which they can adapt these ideas and the formula to their elds of ex-pertise by thinking about longevity, use of materials and adaptability, by

considering the user and their needs.

To all designers:

Do not stop designing, but designfrom a different perspective and thushelp consumers to change their way

of thinking too.


44/47

Appendix One: The Six Key Drivers

sentiment (senti|ment)noun1. having feelings of nostalgia and memory associated with an object

2. associations with an objects history

3. the narrative of or behind an object

4. an emotional connection with an object

5. meaning and value within an object

mature (ma|ture)

verb1. the object will improve with age or develop as it gets older

2. ripen with use, revealing richness of detail within the object

3. gradually reveal a hidden value within an object

4. perfect the object, or the idea of the object within the mind

5. mean that the object can only be acquired after a certain period of

time; therefore, the potential owner develops a greater want for the

object

incomplete (incom|plete)adjective

Unnished, lacking, has potential to develop.

Hence:

1. the user must nish the object either by learning how to use it, or by

other means,

such as adding something to it

2. there is space for the object to grow

3. the user must interact with the object in order for it to work4. the user can personalise the object to their taste

unique (unique)adjective

1. an object which has been hand made

2. the object is one of a kind (and sometimes particularly unusual)

3. the object can be customised

4. the object can be modied to suit the users needs or surroundings

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


45/47

45

Appendix One

function (func|tion)noun1. the main use of an object

2. the purpose of an objects design

aesthetics (aesthet|ics)noun

1. the appearance of an object

2. the materials involved within the object

3. the feel of an object4. the sound and smell of an object

Dictionary denitions adapted from & phonetic symbols taken from:

http://dictionary.reference.com/

http://oxforddictionaries.com/


46/47

References

http://dictionary.reference.com/

IKEA http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/

New Scientist http://ehrun.wordpress.com/depletion/

http://news.stanford.edu/pr/03/households115.html

http://oxforddictionaries.com/

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/default.asp

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

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


47/47

adaptation =' gunning, e. (2011) ©

Documents