2010.03.01
AXIS vol.144
Cover Interview: BarberOsgerby
Although there are any number of “design duos,” BarberOsgerby comprising Edward Barber (left) and Jay Osgerby is attracting the most attention today. Although their design is born of their two different personalities, it may be too simplistic to say it is just due to the synergistic effect of their respective abilities. Here we close in on the secret behind the creativity of Barber & Osgerby not as a pair but as a single design unit.
Feature: Small companies powered by design
Here we introduce companies, local authorities, and associations that while small in scale have established a track record in the creation of unique activities through the application of design. What all examples share is the dismantling of preconceived notions, a keen sense of the times, and creativity; in other words, the very stuff of “design.” Adopting the design mind-set, these small companies confront various restrictions in their march forward. Through them we look for clues to the future.
Traditional Craft Forms: Ukiyo-e
Ukiyo-e woodcut prints developed as a form of entertainment for the common people in the Edo Period. Ukiyo means “this life.” It played a role similar to today’s magazines, as a source of information on the times. With the appearance of such talented artists as Utamaro Kitagawa, Sharaku Toshusai, and Hokusai Katsushika, innumerable pictures were drawn and blocks carved, and an enormous number of prints were distributed. Today, Ukiyo-e reproductions provide the opportunity to thoroughly enjoy the genre’s quality and texture in the form of prints. The fresh color tones and sense of depth that differ from vintage Ukiyo-e prints displayed in museums are striking.
OPINION: Jörg Waschinski, sopranist
Jörg Waschinski is Europe’s foremost lyrical sopranist. Taking the art of falsetto singing to new heights, Waschinski masters upper registers thought impossible for male singers to reach. As evidenced by his words, “I want to pursue an expressive technique only possible by sopranists living today,” Jörg Waschinski’s choice not to slavishly follow the road usually taken demonstrates the stance of an original creator.
Topics: Kodak’s new design strategy
It has become very difficult to achieve product differentiation in today’s digital camera market with the sheer number of manufacturers and severe competition over price and performance; so difficult in fact that consumers have a hard time making calm, rational comparisons from among the vast array of models at volume retailers. On top of this, cell phones and smart phones equipped with camera functions are beginning to take hold. It is under these circumstances that Kodak, a company that has a history of more than one century as a film and camera manufacturer, is taking up the challenge of reconstructing its identity and defining a new digital camera experience.
Topic: Get the Adrenaline Back in Newspapers!–Interview with Jacek Utko, Art Director
Newspapers are dying for serious reasons. Simply changing the look cannot save them, but design coherent with strategy and content can be used as a tool to completely change the product, the process, and the future of the industry.
Other topics:
Today’s young Korean designers prepare t leap forward
The iida AWARD 2010 design competition
Kokuyo Design Award 2009
Business of Design Week in Hong Kong
Other series:
The Prototype “Ricoh BLOX”
James Dyson on “Manufacturing to face the global challenge”
The Civil Engineering of Ethics
Gentle Cultivators of Life
Doing industry-academia collaborations doing right etc.
