John Thackara wrote an interesting critique about the modern age of design, called In the Bubble: Designing in a Complex World. The Introduction and Chapter 1 of this book introduce the reader to creative ways of countering design problems. All in all, they remain a useful guide in repairing the rut that many designers face.
In the Introduction, Thackara interestingly uses the airway term of control, "in the bubble", to parallel how the world does not operate in such a style. Design is a creative process, and Thackara understands this when he writes about ten different methods to avoid the mindless design boredom that exists in the world today. In addition, while Thackara appreciates the benefits of technology, he emphasizes the creative power of the human spirit. Personally, I found this to be an interesting alternative opinion than the common consensus. This "less-stuff-more-people" method works in design because it is a largely creative enterprise, and Thackara is writing this book in order to teach people that message.
Chapter 1 is the first example of how Thackara is aiding the approach to "less-stuff-more-people" ideas of design. Entitled simply "Lightness", the chapter gives ideas on how global companies can begin to return to the "weightless" methods of creativity that technology and the Internet promised. I particularly found his discussion of improving existing products instead of creating new products to be interesting. Phones and GPS', for example, constantly need to be replaced; why can't companies instead offer upgrades and repairs for the ones we already have? This would add to the "weightlessness" of the world that Thackara is discussing.
Overall, I enjoyed these two chapters. The Introduction offered an interesting counterargument to design, while Chapter 1 was interesting in how the world is growing heavier under the stress of new technologies. While a little flawed at times, these two articles were all-in-all fascinating to read and intriguing to understand.
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