Transformed objects: the influence of unruly product design

¹ Western Macedonia University of Applied Science, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design, Kila Kozani GR50100 Greece
² Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, Department of Automotive Engineering, P.O. Box 141, Thessaloniki, GR57400, Greece

^* Corresponding author: pkyratsis@teiwm.gr

Abstract

Nowadays, the image of a product becomes more important than the product itself. Unruly design is defined as the methodology of all objects that are designed with the intention to undermine the existing design-paradigm of the functionalists. At the same time, the term surreal object is based on the magical, transformative concept of the juxtaposition of diverse elements usually found in everyday objects. The present paper outlines the general principles of the unruly design and surrealism art movement, together with their influence on styles of the conceptual product design. A number of illustrative case studies are depicted, through an ergonomic approach, in order to ensure an appropriate interface relationship between art and product design. The products’ transformations have been selected in order to stress the idea that using unruly design offers additional advantages in creating concepts from a different point of view. Innovation and unusual product design can create the basis for a complete product design transformation culture.