Output details

StandPoint

Kermik’s research for StandPpint is part of a series of ecological product concepts developed through his exclusive and ongoing engagement with an international ecological and environmental design community, supported through the EcoDesign exhibition held annually in Helsinki. Konstantin Grcic, the 2011 guest curator, proposed ‘multifunction’ as the overarching theme, and participating designers were invited to develop ‘an intelligent and open-minded approach to ecological issues beyond one-dimensional, stereotype definitions of ecology’, with the imperative to ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’, and devise new ways to shape an ecologically balanced future.

Kermik’s research for StandPoint investigates three main issues: an exploration of multifunctional design; the development of ‘anti-product’ and design semantics (see Output 2); and persuasive design and user engagement.

Building on research undertaken for Output 2, Kermik pursued the idea of the ‘anti-product’ in the context of multifunctionality, examining the different layers of functionality within a product lifecycle as a vital element in its ecological profile. Drawing on interest in the heritage and sociocultural values of representation, the formation of new archetypes and the development of a more elemental aesthetic, Kermik applied a systematic, modular approach to the exploration of multiple meanings that could be assigned to root-level type forms. He explored how these could be cross-referenced and shared between different classifications of artefacts to encourage user-engagement and suggest or create new meanings.

StandPoint was created by interrogating the limitations and freedoms of design, minimising and restricting the materials and components, yet expanding the definition of multifunctionality through its detailing, modularity and user-defined assembly opportunities. Limited to four interconnectable components, adjustable joints and a series of elemental trays and boxes for maximum flexibility, adjustability and external compatibilities, this design series requires the user to interpret, shape and complete their own archetypal form.

SEE DIGITAL PORTFOLIO.