People watching
Object stimuli pack
The mind map highlighted the need for more in-depth interviews. Three self selector from the initial research were approached and interviewed about their daily routines with their partner. This process highlighted valuable similarities and insights.
Final object: Crumbs
Being lumbered with the tidying up on a daily basis can be unpleasant especially when your partner doesn’t even notice. This tablecloth turns breakfast crumbs into messages, by placing them in the words. At dinner the mats and coasters can be used to ‘write’ a sentence.
Being lumbered with the tidying up on a daily basis can be unpleasant especially when your partner doesn’t even notice. This tablecloth turns breakfast crumbs into messages, by placing them in the words. At dinner the mats and coasters can be used to ‘write’ a sentence.
Final object: Hole chair
This chair makes leaving a note deliberately obvious, by placing a note in the holes of the chair it is impossible to sit down without delivery of the message.
This chair makes leaving a note deliberately obvious, by placing a note in the holes of the chair it is impossible to sit down without delivery of the message.
Final object: Monster
Is a bedroom light that eliminates the need to disturb your partner when getting out of bed at inconvenient times. This floor light senses your feet as you swing them out of bed, allowing you to choose your socks without disturbing your partner. The light then fades over time to leave a trace of your departure.
Is a bedroom light that eliminates the need to disturb your partner when getting out of bed at inconvenient times. This floor light senses your feet as you swing them out of bed, allowing you to choose your socks without disturbing your partner. The light then fades over time to leave a trace of your departure.
During this project I experimented with pioneering new approaches to qualitative research, which were both adventurous and explorative. I constructed and developed a ‘mixed method’ (James, 2006; Sharp and Frechtling, 1997) of ‘active research’ (Blaxter et al, 2001; Bell, 2005) to grapple with the topic: “How can products act as stimuli for socialcommunication between partners in a domestic environment?”
Traces is a family of objects inspired by the conscious and unconscious messages partners give to one another. They encourage their owners to rediscover and understand the power and pleasure of the shadows of communication they leave behind.
Meaningful insights were gained through a variety of research methods including experiments, desk research, object stimuli and by collaborative research with relationship specialists; such as counsellors, sociologists and experts in social engagement through Object Stimuli. This resulted in a quirky yet practical family of objects,
