An Argument for the Jukebox: Rethinking Industrial Design
At my time in art school it was apparent there was an appreciation of minimalism, emphasis on sleek. From ceramics, sculpture and industrial design it was seen as innovation to make something as simple as possible. How could someone get rid of as much “noise,” as possible while still keeping a standard of pleasing aesthetics?
This is something I also appreciated. I saw talks on Japanese pottery or Scandinavian furniture design which are minimal but have so much character. The process involves affection that is seen in the object. However, I’ve noticed too much of this influence in other areas of design, especially in regards to manufactured products and it’s depressing. This has to do with everyday objects we interact with like cars, computers, kitchen appliances etc. We have a subconscious view of how we see them. In routine, these manufactured products are lacking quality that makes them feel human.
One could say the focus of these objects are not suppose to feel human but improve function. Wonderful, except objects are an extension of ourselves and we have a relationship with the objects we use in routine. This relationship should start with easier function but also go beyond and look like it was made by a human. It should have some sort of affection involved. Here’s an example.
The jukeboxes and iPod nanos both play music. They both involve a relationship with humans. Both are interacted with in similar ways. However which one feels better? The jukebox feels old but can also feel warm. This bulky outdated object is inviting and plays music for the room. There is something communal, it can create opportunities for further interactions. The lights, colors and buttons might seem like more of a novelty than anything but it feels good. Going into a restaurant and seeing a jukebox can add to the environment and give others a shared experience.
The iPod nano is cold, small and exclusive. That’s music for you, just you. There’s no speakers, you put on your headphones and share a space with just yourself even if you’re in a room with hundreds of others. That’s depressing, it doesn’t feel good and the novelty isn’t the design it’s the technology. The technology is simultaneously isolating and strays us further away from what it means to feel human. I may be a little dramatic. The iPod nano has its time and place but design seems to take a loyal direction to make any object as cold, minimal and easy to use as an Apple product.
The direction industrial design should take is to humanize our everyday interactions again. Look at the jukeboxes. Why not be inspired by a bulky old machine? It’s an extension of us in a space we all go too, a restaurant. Design should feel like an extension of us while also not feeling like we’re cyborgs.
