Tamara Barrage

Engaging objects

Department: Contextual Design

Dead Weight

Things today are replaceable, disposable and unimportant. We look for what is the most ‘ergonomic’ and easy to use. Objects are currently designed to overperform and as a result, we underperform. They barely need us to function. The less they need us, the less we notice them, even though they populate our homes and our lives. The ease of these objects renders them uninteresting to us; almost invisible. To counter this, Tamara Barrage believes that objects in the household should provide opportunities for flow by engaging our attention. Being conscious of these objects and investing time in them fosters a greater sensibility and attachment to the things we deal with. In her view, objects should be designed to challenge the abilities of the user. They should push us beyond our standard capabilities to gain our complete attention.