Objectified
Objectified delves into the complex relationship between humans and manufactured objects, exploring the world of industrial design and the people who shape our everyday products. Directed by Gary Hustwit, it examines the creative processes behind the design of common items, from toothbrushes to tech gadgets, and how these objects impact our lives.
The film features interviews with influential industrial designers, including Jonathan Ive, Dieter Rams, and Karim Rashid, as well as design critics and curators. Through these conversations, it illuminates the thought processes, challenges, and innovations that go into creating the products we use daily. It explores themes of personal expression, identity, consumerism, and sustainability in relation to product design.
The documentary showcases a wide range of designed objects, from furniture and household items to cars and electronic devices. It highlights how designers re-examine, re-evaluate, and reinvent our manufactured environment on a daily basis. It also touches on the evolution of design, discussing how technological advancements and changing consumer needs influence the creation of new products.
Various design philosophies are presented, including the idea that good design should be unobtrusive and “dissolve into behavior.” The film also addresses the environmental impact of mass production and the role of designers in creating more sustainable products. By examining the objects that surround us, it encourages reflection on what these items reveal about our society, our values, and our aspirations.