Nothing is created in isolation
Nothing is created in isolation
We are all inspired by what we see and hear or what we have experienced, whether we realise it or not.
Designers need to produce new ideas on demand so we learn strategies and techniques to help us generate good ones quickly. For interior design we analyse the surrounding area, the building, the users, the local culture, the competition and depending on the type of project we’d consider the brand, the cuisine or the company values. However, sometimes ideas come from an overheard conversation, an obscured image or a scene in a film. Then, there’s an inspiration source that is harder to pinpoint, we subconsciously absorb images and ideas in our day to day life and they can emerge in our designs.
(5 min read)
As part of a larger project, we needed to quickly create an image that would show we were designing a place to attract like-minded creative travelers who search for and share compelling experiences through everyday interactions (what could be simpler?). A place where people can absorb the energy of the people around them - It should be about sharing ideas and recommendations with the world. It needs to be a teaser so it should be intriguing and not too literal.
This was developed a few years ago so I don’t remember the whole conversation but it went something like this…
How do we show that they seek out new experiences and share ideas and recommendations?
“How do we show people searching?” “How about we show them foraging for new experiences? We could feature urban foraging for food and have city venues sprinkled among the undergrowth.” “But we need something that illustrates how they like to share. We could show a meal made from their findings.” “Or, how about using images of geocaching? We could show clues and/or hiding places across the city.” “That relies on a lot of people being familiar with geocaching but it’s good that it has the digital connection. What else?” “How about using the Stephen Walter’s Hub map we were told about and overlay recommendations, we could include a live link to the map so people can add to it? Or, we could sketch lots of people and show them all shouting out recommendations to each other?” “How about having someone scrolling through a magazine site on a phone that recommends undiscovered places? or show a phone, tablet and laptop all covered with places to visit.” “It probably shouldn’t include digital technology because that either makes people focus on the hardware or the software and not on the function or the feeling of technology.”
How do we create an image that also shows this is an experimental or creative place?
“How else could people creatively share recommendations besides using technology? by talking? by holding up a sign?” “by pointing and posing?” “by letter or note?” “We could include handwritten notes pinned up showing recommendations. That idea feels too small, too limited though.” “What if you wrote a recommendation then folded it into a paper aeroplane and launched it out the window. People would be intrigued if it landed near them. The might pick it up and have the urge to fly it themselves.” “It’s a great way to reach out to somebody you don’t know. They could then re-launch it for someone else to discover.” “Also, that idea mirrors how we use social media sites, we post our thoughts or experiences for the world to see.” “Has anyone else seen the Paperman, by John Kahrs?” “Paper planes would work well, let’s go with that.”
“Instead of handwritten notes the planes could be events flyers and tickets from around London. They would illustrate how people share their recommendations. They are sent out into the world, not knowing where they will land and who will read them but they send them anyway.”
So, a recommendation for a restaurant like Rola Wala at the Street Feast Model Market in Lewisham could feature one of their menus folded into a plane. You’d choose your food, add some recommendations and launch the plane to tell people how good it was.
Exciting exhibition at the British Library. Great fanzines. Punk is not dead.
#Punk1976_78 #BritishLibrary
Tasty naan roll, really fresh and delicious. Great options for veggies too.
#RolaWala #Lewisham #StreetFeast
On the way home after our brainstorming I was checking emails and as I hit ‘send’ I realised where that subconcious influence had come from.
All of a sudden I realised it was on most social media sites or messaging apps. Initially I was disappointed because the idea now seemed less original. However, I had to admit that this visual reference to the digital world was actually perfect. It added a connection to sharing ideas in the digital world and extra layer of depth that links back to our group of people who avidly shared their experiences online.
The digital icon had been developed to symbol sending a physical message and now we were using physical paper planes to represent sending digital messages. The reference had gone full circle, back to a physical object. Does anyone know how/why/when the plane icon was developed for digital messages?
Found something good? Want to tell other people about it? Launch it into the air for a like-minded person to find.
The final poster photography
Image title: Unscripted paths and connections
An expedition into the known and unknown, a journey of brief encounters, true stories, found sounds, sharing with those you meet along the way. Absorb their ideas and energy and give back some of yours in return. The more we share, the more we get back.
We are all inspired by what we see, hear or feel so it’s fascinating and exciting to work with designers and clients from all over the world. Our early experiences and influences vary from country to country and this impacts our interpretation of spaces and behaviours. These influences are often referred to as subliminal or subconcious and they all come from our individual exposure, experience and perception. When you find an idea that can be understood by designers of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds you know it will resonate with many people. Some ideas don’t translate as easily, but identifying these means we can create the right context for them to be understood or move on to the next idea. If you want to explore this more you might enjoy Daniel Kahnemans writings about decision making, judgement and behavioural ecconomics or you might enjoy Charles H Burnettes papers on A Theory of Design Thinking or The Role of Aesthetics in Design Thinking.
Generating ideas on demand
At the start of this article I mentioned strategies, techniques and processes designers learn to help generate ideas. I’ve sketched out my design map to help illustrate some of the points I consider.
My design map
Collaboraters and influencers were Joanna Varettas, Anna Kirckham, Dunia Tigris, Rachel Barnes. Also, Leila Cook for introducing us to Stephens designs.
