Nonobject

I have been following Industrial Designer Branko Lukic, who is working to develop and license products that will be "treasured not because of their specifications, but because they make the owner happy to own it" for about a year and he continues to amaze me. Branko tackles the "Nonobject" principle in his book of the same title and is preoccupied with the "space between you and the object." While it seem esoteric to some, I think the notion points to an exciting, interactive and deeply personal trend in technology. A prime example is this Behind the Scenes Camera, which is intended to record "what you see, what you can control" from the front and "what you don't see and what you don't control" from the back. Here's more:

"Cameras till now have only ever taken images before our very eyes. Rather than accepting this and getting permanently locked into one way of looking at the world – and one way of capturing visual memories through the lens – why not expand our understanding of photography and reveal an augmented view of a given moment? Behind the Scenes Camera is designed to capture what’s going on behind our back, beyond our control, while simultaneously capturing the scene in front of us, the one we control."

Blanko goes on to admit that technologically, this is not revolutionary, but it’s "the idea that’s breakthrough." It's not the type of thing you consider everyday, but I can't help being captivated by the notion and possibility of more personal technology. What do you think of it?

I have been really intrigued by Industrial Designer Branko Lukic, who is working to develop and license products that will be "treasured not because of their specifications, but because they make the owner happy to own it." The idea, which Branko details in his upcoming book "Nonobject," is about the "space between you and the object" and while it may seem esoteric to some, points to an exciting, interactive and deeply personal trend in technology. A preview of Lukic's book 'Nonobject' hit the web a few weeks ago and gadget lovers have been fawning over his ideas.

Lukic's Pebble: The MP3 Object was a big hit with geeky bloggers and his Tarati (in Sanskrit, meaning “through”) looks to be just as interesting. The Tarati enables the user to connect with others by passing fingers, in order, through key holes. "This action of dialing alone is a more magical experience and, hence, more indicative of what's really happening beyond the visible realm," says Yanko Design. "Tarati beckons the user to “touch” someone without physically touching a single key. Its design reflects human connectivity in a less material/mechanical, more sensual, way. Tarati is a subtle device, but ever-so-powerful in its fearlessness." What do you think?

A few weeks ago I shared that Industrial Designer Branko Lukic is working to develop and license products that will be "treasured not because of their specifications, but because they make the owner happy to own it." The idea, which Branko details in his upcoming book "Nonobject," is about the "space between you and the object" and while it may seem esoteric to some, points to an exciting, interactive and deeply personal trend in technology. This week, a preview of Lukic's book hit the web and gadget lovers have been fawning over his ideas.

"What if products could take on the diversity of nature?," asks Lukic. "What if products embodied twists and contours, and off-colored spots? What if a line of MP3 players, say, could be designed to resemble an array of pebbles scattered along an ocean's shore? Or like a basketfull of heirloom tomatoes at a farmers' market? Imagine the possibilities of mass customizing with such diversity in mind How would it change the way we interact with devices? How would it change the experience of consumption? How would it impact the human-product relationship?"

Do you think gadgets should be more reflective of the natural world? Check out the gallery of images from Lukic's book and then leave me your comments. read more

As design, fashion and gadget lovers we seem to always be searching for the best, biggest (or littlest) and brightest product that is going to change our life. We naturally crave the newest iPod model, big screen TV or camera, but where is the line where the popular gadgets of the moment and personal technology merge and how do we find gadgetry that truly meets our long-term individual needs?

Wired recently interviewed Industrial Designer Branko Lukic, who is working to develop and license products that will be "treasured not because of their specifications, but because they make the owner happy to own it." The idea, which Branko details in his upcoming book "Nonobject," is about the "space between you and the object" and while it may seem esoteric to some, points to an exciting, interactive and deeply personal trend in technology. Lukic, who says his interest in design sprung from his desire to "make the world around me a better place," told Wired:

In the 20th century, we were focused mostly on the practical, utilitarian side of design, and later we were driven by technological advancements, marketing and business plans. In the 21st century, instead of design just fulfilling the basic needs, doing certain things or resolving particular problems, people will seek deeper, greater and longer lasting product experiences. nonobject benefits from not being constrained, as compared to design practice today, which benefits from being constrained.

Check out the full interview on Wired's website and let me know what you think about the movement and idea.