The role of product designers in creating the world of science fiction cinema
In the realm of cinema, especially in the science fiction genre, the world displayed on the screen must be attention-grabbing, appealing, and sometimes believably predict different futures or realities. Here, product designers play a crucial role in transforming imaginative concepts into tangible elements that define the visual aesthetics and practicality of a film or series.
The role of a product designer in cinema
Product designers in the film industry are involved in designing and creating everything from futuristic gadgets to the design of spacecraft. Their work involves a combination of problem-solving, artistic, and practical design perspectives, meaning that each item is not only visually appealing but also makes sense within the story’s context. These designers collaborate closely with directors, production designers, and special effects teams to visualize the script’s descriptive imagery, while also designing products and gadgets that represent an ideal world free from our current problems.
Impact on storytelling
The contribution of product designers goes beyond visual appeal; they significantly influence the narrative. For example, the design of a gadget or vehicle can convey the technological advancement of a civilization or character in a science fiction story. The intricate design of the DeLorean in “Back to the Future,” the lightsabers in “Star Wars,” the operating system and smart gadgets in the film Her, or the pods in “The Pod Generation” that solve fertility issues, are not only symbolic but vital in narrative and character development.
Challenges and innovations
Product designers often face the challenge of balancing creativity and feasibility, especially in science fiction where the design must be both futuristic and relatable. They innovate with various materials and techniques to design and create high-quality, cost-effective designs that have not been seen before. This has led to advancements in various production techniques, including 3D printing and CGI modeling. For instance, 3D printers were used in making “Star Wars.”
Notable product designers in cinema
1. Syd Mead, known for his work on films like “Blade Runner,” “Tron,” and “Aliens,” has had a lasting impact on the science fiction genre with his futuristic designs.
2. Colin Cantwell, known for his work on “Star Wars,” designed some of the series’ most famous ships, including the Death Star, X-Wing, and TIE Fighter.
3. H.R. Giger’s unique biomechanical style, best exemplified in his creature and set designs for “Alien,” has been highly influential.
4. K.K. Barrett, the product designer for Her (2013), created a minimal and believable future with advanced AI-based operating systems, appealing and practical user interfaces, contributing significantly to the film’s ambiance. “Her” was nominated for production design and costume design awards at prestigious ceremonies like the Oscars but won the Best Original Screenplay Oscar awarded to Spike Jonze.
5. Navin Iyengar, a prominent and innovative product designer known for his work with Netflix. He leads a team focusing on UI/UX at Netflix, significantly impacting how users interact with the platform. He is renowned for creating user experiences that are both appealing and practical, playing a key role in improving film and series search and recommendation designs on Netflix. Given Netflix’s pioneering status in the streaming industry, his work in enhancing user experience on the platform is highly significant. He has also been a leader in the product design team for the series Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. His lecture titled “Design Like a Scientist” on YouTube is recommended viewing.
Conclusion
Product designers in science fiction films and series are unsung heroes essential in creating immersive and believable worlds. Their work bridges the gap between the director’s vision and the audience’s experience, making them crucial in the cinematic storytelling process. With advancing technology and growing interest in visually stunning and thought-provoking science fiction films, the role of these designers will continue to push the boundaries of imagination and design, even shaping ideas for our future world.
