Internet for those who wouldn't approach a computer
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NetObjects is a collection of everyday objects that give real time a information from the web. The collection has been conceived as an attempt to question the role of networked appliances in the domestic environment. netObjects are designed for eight stereotypes of media consumers who are fascinated with different types of content and who seldom get online through the computer screen.
Each object has one very simple and specific function. For example, netGossip is a pot dedicated to the readers of Hello magazine and keeps them posted about the latest (mis)adventures of their favourite stars. netUmbrella, is an umbrella providing you with the weather forecasts, netFlirt is a box that stamps love messages for lonely hearts, netCuckoo is a cuckoo clock that displays news, with a switch to choose between left wing or right wing news, etc. The project was developed by Hector Serrano (the designer of the swimmingpool lamp) and Victor Viņa and launched last October 2003 at e-culture fair 2 in Amsterdam. The exhibition consists of eight interactive prototypes, eight photographs, and a video with testimonials of the eight characters of this story. Via Elastico. |
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it seems that there might be another aspect to this, some way in which the detail of these objects is being lost. an umbrella with weather forecasts - OK, but when it breaks? I am afraid of these things, it reminds me of a bicycle that was popular among the richer kids when I was young - the bike was fitted with all sorts of electronic gadgets, but after a few months when they were all broken the bike was clearly just that - a cheaply made bike.
one way in which the internet really is changing the game is things like satellite radio - OK, not internet based but certainly new tech based. How can we use this type of approach in making objects? It's almost as if there should be a way to bring the undeniable benefits of a new technology to those who would rather shun it - and going beyond simply giving iPods as gifts to old people. Perhaps the way to do it is to hide the detail, hide the technological aspect - to make these invisible, but their benefits tangible?