Curious Displays | Julia Y. Tsao

Julia Y. Tsao

julia.yu.tsao@gmail.com

Introduction / PRELIMINARY RESEARCH / Ideas & Content / The Project: Curious Displays / Project Development / Experiential Prototype / Conclusion

EVERYDAY OBJECTS & THEIR MEANING

Everyday Objects & Their Meaning is a research project completed during the earlier stages of my thesis explorations. The project consisted of a series of interview questions allowing me to gain a better understanding of the complex relationships we have with objects that we interact with on a daily basis, to uncover the reasons why we feel the way we do about them, and to gain insight on their unique, varied, and idiosyncratic purposes and roles in daily life. The survey took place over a one-week period, and asked 40 people between the ages of 14 and 65 a series of questions about the objects they encounter on a daily basis.

OUTCOMES

From the project, I was able to generate insights into our relationship with everyday objects. An analysis of the responses, revealed that generally, the individuals who participated in my study appeared to have particular attachment to objects that:

1. Are used everyday.
2. Invoke memory.
3. Invoke imagination.
4. Keep us in touch with / connected to / reminds us of friends / special moments.
5. We share with loved ones.
6. We spend a lot of time with.
7. Play a part in our daily routine.
8. Make us feel like a part of something bigger.
9. Perform a vital task.
10. Play a part in our self-identity.

This was particularly interesting to me because it brought to my attention that everday objects really do kind of naturally take on a life of their own. Seemingly, simple inanimate objects took on special characteristics and interest to their owners by mere proxmity to them on a daily basis. This was particuarly interesting to me--the realization that often times, we are really naturally looking for things to become attached to or to come up with stories about.

OBJECTS MENTIONED

Bed, Computer, Blanket, Clothes, Car, Cell Phone, CDs, Stuffed Animal, Television, Work Desk, Diary / Journal, Jewelry, Records, Food, Books, Radio, Refrigerator, Clock / Watch, Dining Table, Mailbox, Toothbrush, Wallet, Bedside Lamp, House slippers, Hard drive, Coffee mug, Desk chair, House Plant, Music Player, Teapot, Microwave, DVD player, Lawn chair, Grill, Make-up, Game Console, Bicycle, Cup, Coaster, Ironing board, Backpack, Pajamas, Printer, Space heater, Dish scrubber, Phone, Thermometer, House, Towel, Doorknob, Camera, Shampoo, Plate, Keys, Newspaper, Food/Coffee, Pen, Sink, Binoculars, Ceiling fan, Mirror, Eyeglasses, Cigarettes, Chapstick, Happy Birthday Music Box, Portable GPS, Rice, Kimchee, Doorbell, lighter, pen, Razor, Airways (Chewing Gum), Stove, Wacom tablet, Piano

NOTABLE QUOTES

“Dining Table. its a vintage table from the 60’s.. Every time i eat at it, im reminded of all the people who have probably enjoyed a meal at this table over the years.”
- 32, Male

“[My radio] is my connection to thought. It’s interesting to know that thousands / millions are hearing the same thing and thinking about the content. Like a temperature on humanity.”
- 34, Male

“[My game console] helps me escape the real world and makes my imagination soar.”
- 25, Male

“My work desk has so much history to me because I think about all the things ive ever made here and all the hardships and accomplishments that have come out of it”
- 38, Male

“Cell phone - it connects me to everyone, it telle me the time, it wakes me up, people can reach me where ever i am. It helpes me out when I am in a strange situation.”
- 27, Female

“[My computer] helps me communicate with other people. had it for a while, expensive, entertainment value, information value, like the way it looks, performs.”
- 29, Male