What is the book about?
It is a book of "design fictions." By deliberately creating objects that cannot exist -- because the
material is not yet available, or the business plan, or the manufacturing process, or the infra-
structure to support it, or even the human sensibility -- it becomes possible to explore the meaning
of design at a more profound level and to think more richly about what is and what might be.
What are its main themes and objectives?
The principal objective of the book is to stimulate thought: What is an object? Why do we desire
what we desire? Why has "functionality" been defined in such a historically narrow way? What is
beauty? Nonobject is an attempt to free the imagination by disengaging it form the constraints of
utility, economy and technology.
Who is the book aimed at?
The book is aimed at designers, architects and the people involved in creating experiences who will
appreciate the extraordinary subtlety and elegance of the "non-objects" depicted, but also at the
growing audience of readers who have become interested in design. The rapid growth of the "design
literate" public is one of the more remarkable trends of recent years, and on both visual and con-
ceptual grounds the book has the potential to engage a very large audience.
How will it differ from existing books of its type?
It bears no resemblance to anything currently in existence. There are various books that depict
futuristic objects, movie sets, concept cars, etc., but Nonobject is of an entirely different charac-
ter. Likewise, we are aware of numerous "gag" books containing pictures of silly, inefficient, un-
workable or simply unsuccessful products (Kenji Kawakami's "101 Unuseless Japanese Inventions"
is among the more amusing of this genre). Nonobject, by contrast, is a very serious book, con-
ceived and executed with uncompromising craft and informed by a deep design sensibility.
nonobject is an exploration of the future of consumer experiences through design. It offers a new way of
thinking about design and innovation - a way which embraces the space between you and the object.
The book is scheduled for release in 2008.
For more information or if you would like to join our mailing list, please email to: info@nonobjectbook.com or visit our contact page
