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Objects that have taken on alternative functions

  • 10-02-2010 4:43pm
    #1
    Fungtank
    Closed Accounts Posts: 197 ✭✭


    Hi,

    I am currently studying for a master's in Interaction Design and am investigating how we attach emotions to inanimate objects.

    Currently I am looking at how objects can take on new functions through user interpretation, desire and need. An example of this is using a beer mat to prop up a wobbly table. Another example could be using a chair as a ladder. These uses were not originally considered in the design of the product but through user experience it can be said that if you are sitting at a wobbly table in a pub the first thing you do is look for a beer mat or if you need to change a lightbulb but can't reach and don't have a ladder then you look for a chair.

    I am looking for you lovely people to suggest other objects that have taken on alternative uses through user experience. Objects that were designed for one purpose but we now equally associate them for alternative uses.

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    R0B0T_R0CK
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13 ✭R0B0T_R0CK


    I dont know if this is helpful at all but
    teapots and toilets for plants?
    a book as a door stop?
    :S


  • #3
    red_ice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,946 ✭✭✭red_ice


    its not an object..

    the internet


  • #4
    InTheTrees
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,900 ✭✭✭InTheTrees


    I just lit a couple of matches as I left the toilet...

    Perfect for odour control...


  • #5
    Deliverance
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,674 ✭✭✭Deliverance


    Fungtank wrote: »
    Hi,

    I am currently studying for a master's in Interaction Design and am investigating how we attach emotions to inanimate objects.

    Currently I am looking at how objects can take on new functions through user interpretation, desire and need. An example of this is using a beer mat to prop up a wobbly table. Another example could be using a chair as a ladder. These uses were not originally considered in the design of the product but through user experience it can be said that if you are sitting at a wobbly table in a pub the first thing you do is look for a beer mat or if you need to change a lightbulb but can't reach and don't have a ladder then you look for a chair.

    I am looking for you lovely people to suggest other objects that have taken on alternative uses through user experience. Objects that were designed for one purpose but we now equally associate them for alternative uses.

    Thanks

    http://www.amazon.com/Design-Everyday-Things-Donald-Norman/dp/0385267746

    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=emotional+design

    Both these books are v.helpful and interesting. HCI is an interest of mine as well. Good luck with your idea.


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