Objectified

Objectified is a 2009 feature-length documentary, directed by Gary Hustwit. It’s an intriguing and in-depth exploration into our complex relationship with everyday objects and the people who design them. The film stars a variety of designers, architects, and professors such as Paola Antonelli, Chris Bangle, and Andrew Blauvelt.

Objectified throws open the doors to a creative realm that is often shrouded in mystery - the world of product design. Featuring snippets from candid interviews with prominent designers in the industry, the movie casts light on how the process of creating utilitarian everyday objects is integrally linked with our broader identity as humans. To make such seemingly mundane objects takes an extraordinary amount of thought, creativity, and understanding of physical ergonomics, psychological triggers, and aesthetic principles.

The senior curator for the Department of Architecture and Design at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Paola Antonelli is one of the many designers featured in the film. With her insightful perspectives and deep understanding of design principles, Antonelli elaborates on how design shapes everything around us, from toothbrushes to tech gadgets, and how it intricately weaves the fabric of our daily existence.

BMW's former Head of Design Chris Bangle, infamous in the automotive world for his controversial designs, also appears in Objectified. Known for his radical approach to pushing the conventional limits of car design, Bangle offers his viewpoint on automotive aesthetics, functional design, and their impact on the emotional connection between vehicles and their owners.

Andrew Blauvelt, the then Director of the Design, Advertising, and New Media department at the Walker Art Centre, is another industry figure gracing the screen in this documentary. Well-known for his work in graphic design and communication, Blauvelt presents his ideas about design’s role in our society, stressing the importance of strong design principles in shaping human behavior and our interaction with everyday objects.

What sets Objectified apart from other documentaries is its wide range of discussions, from a comprehensive look into the philosophy and ethos behind product design to detailed deliberations about the materials and manufacturing processes involved. These conversations highlight the complexities of making design decisions while demonstrating the designers' profound understanding of users' needs, cultural contexts, and future scenarios.

Another pivotal aspect of the film underscores the environmental implications of design. The sustainable design and pro-environment approaches are discussed as a critical part of modern product creation. The film does not shy away from addressing the moral and ecological predicaments posed by mass production and consumerism. It urges viewers to think about the lifecycle of the objects they use and discard, fostering a new perspective on the implications of our consumption habits.

Woven into the narrative of Objectified are visually stunning shots of the design studios, prototyping process, and manufacturing units, providing viewers with an immersive experience into the world of product creation. The backdrop of modern cityscapes serves as a silent testament to the power of design in shaping our habitats.

Objectified also diligently explores the increasingly digitized landscape of product design. It addresses the challenges designers face while trying to maintain the human connection in an era where an increasing number of products are becoming digital interfaces. With a spotlight on the rapidly evolving tech design sphere, the dialogues give a glimpse of where the industry might be heading.

Objectified is a compelling journey that uncovers the hidden stories and thought processes behind the everyday objects we tend to overlook. It's insightful, thought-provoking, and even philosophical. The film gives voice to the design nerds and passionate creatives that's often considered 'behind-the-scenes' but is actually ever-present and crucial in our day-to-day life.

This documentary is more than a design-centered exposition; it is a deeply human tale that emphasizes design as a crucial factor in shaping human experiences, cultural identities, and the environment. It pushes us to look beyond an object's utility, inviting us to appreciate the careful consideration and creativity which gives life to the unseen world of industrial design. On another plane, it is a call-to-action for responsible manufacturing and consumption, promoting an ethos of sustainability and longevity over disposability.

In a lesson both profound and practical, Objectified is a film that prompts us to rethink our relationship with the material world, appreciate the anonymous objects we encounter daily, and respect the craft and creativity involved in their creation.