Thursday Salute to Originals: Hidden Potential in Thoughtful Design
When it comes to design, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the big picture. With all the excitement and anticipation associated in creating something new, it’s tempting to get distracted by broader ideals. (We know the feeling of getting sucked into the aesthetical momentum of a new project. But when fractions of millimeters make or break our backlit features, we can’t let the distraction of the bigger picture cloud our attention to detail!)
Sometimes when focus is placed so heavily on the larger existence, we miss the most understated, yet significant gems right before our eyes, the important nuances hiding in plain sight. And in our experience, it’s those disregarded details that are key elements in defining the design, function, and purpose of an object – even objects we use (or THINK we know how to use) every day.
Take for instance, Chinese takeout containers. The artfully folded glossy cardstock clearly satisfies the simple utilitarian function of holding food. And their minimal, compact, boxy forms are aesthetical while still sliding neatly into the fridge. But the folded geometry of these cartons actually serves another purpose. Meant to unfold into an impromptu platter while dining, and then crease back up to house remaining cuisine, the thoughtfully designed origami of this simple takeout container is more than what meets the eye:
And take another look at the package housing your saran wrap or foil. The serrated teeth along the edge are clearly noticeable and they seem to get all the glory; everyone knows how those little guys work. But we’re willing to bet you’ve looked over the unsuspecting tabs on the side of the box. When depressed, these simple tabs secure the roll in place, preventing it from sliding or slipping while you tear a sheet:
Now, the goal here is not to start a discussion on the secrets of packaging containers. The point is to acknowledge that our perceptions and attitudes toward design are often clouded by what we believe to be their purpose; we’re swept off our feet by the “big picture” and find it tough to further analyze with an objective mindset. If we’re missing thoughtful design in common objects, what do we overlook on a larger scale? What do we miss in the architecture and interiors we inhabit every day?
So take a second to stop and smell the roses – or in the case of design, stop and VIEW the roses – to notice and appreciate the unsuspecting elements at design’s core. Because who knows, those inconspicuous details might just unlock secret potential you never knew existed.
Image credits: Petals of Paula via Flickr Creative Commons, Food Beast, This Week for Dinner