Design by Use

"No matter how competent and professional a design may be, it only comes into its own through use. More often than not things change throughout this process: clotheslines are turned into diaries, chairs become shelves, plastic bags are used as umbrellas, lampposts are transformed into notice boards, and stairs make for excellent places to eat, hang out, and communicate." These acts of repurposing - also referred to as "Non-Intentional Design" - can themselves become sources for the generation of new design concepts. Throughout this long-term study the three authors have collected a wealth of material. Using numerous examples this book examines the motives and the potential of "Non-Intentional Design" and makes these aspects available for further design research.