Watch the documentary Objectified (2009) directed by Gary Hustwit. While available on a few different platforms, you can access it here for free: https://documentaryheaven.com/objectified/
After watching the documentary in its entirety, answer the following questions in complete sentences. Your answers should reflect the ideas from the documentary (unless otherwise instructed), so use specific examples presented in Objectified to demonstrate your understanding:
Is the standardization of objects a good thing? Why or why not?
What does it mean for an object to have a cultural context?
What are some issues that arise when considering objects as being able to not only stand the test of time, but also be non-disposable?
Should good design be inexpensive? Why or why not?
Why do you feel some people always seek something new in terms of objects? What are some ways to combat this mentality?
When it comes to cars as consumable objects, do you feel future generations will focus more on the function of the car or the car functioning as an “avatar,” as suggested in the documentary? What evidence can you come up with to support your ideas?
Sustainability presents us with a unique problem when it comes to designing new objects, and recycling alone doesn’t seem to help. What is one way to help address this problem that is not presented in the documentary? Full explain your reasoning.
It is argued that designers should be culture generators and should be central to policy making in the future. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
