Perceived value and context. (Part One)

The design of products is an eclectic venture through the emotional and the practical, the reflective and the visceral, salable and un-merchantable, and myriad other dualities. Considerations are made starting in the nebulous “concept” stage and working through to the the detailed design stage where materials and manufacturing processes are concerned. Through all these phases, design is emotional and experience-based.

A very recognizable symbol in the consumer market is the exoteric plastic “party” cup. They define a throwaway culture, cheap mass production, and thoughtless interaction. The plastic cup is simultaneously an icon. The telltale sign that “yes, there was a party here.” The vessel begs to contain a cheap beverage for the user to imbibe, be it water at the office or domestic beer at the frat. The decision to use such an item implies a context in which it should be used.

Now let’s consider the context defined by a product. For this particular product, we first recognize the low pecuniary hurdle—these cups are cheap. They’ll run you 13 cents a cup, depending on the supplier. They are also ubiquitous. Anyone from any culture can access this product. They are made of a plastic that does not impart a sense of exclusiveness in the user. Overall, a ho-hum product in the hands of a businessperson or low-brow litter to be found strewn on the fraternity’s front lawn.

What design variable could transition this utilitarian piece to something more? Three variables that have been explored are material, size, and reflective meaning. [To be continued.]