Portfolio—Design Futures & collaboration: Packaging.

The Gift by Clive Dilnot formed the base for reflection on the act of giving with its underlying social meanings, conventions, reasons and consequences. Dilnot looks at the objects we give to one another, which originated from the questions about the reason for making things, the origin of the thing itself, the ethics of gifts/objects and the relationship with the other.

Additionally Dilnot draws parallels between the giver-receiver and the designer-client relationship, essential in order to reach a satisfying outcome of the design process. Just as the quest for the ideal gift requires a connection with the receiver, careful consideration of the receiver’s needs and the willingness to invest precious time and money, the designer must establish a similar relationship with the client. This enables the creation of a product that does not end in itself, but in the individual or collective for whom it is made for.

It is important to recognise the similarities between gift-giving and designing for a client. If practised seriously, both acts require the ability to connect with one another through immersion, thus affirming a positive relationship, which leads to a satisfactory end product.

PROJECT TYPE

University Assignment

COMPLETED IN

2015

SKILLS

Critical Thinking/Packaging