Critical Design in Context: History, Theory, and Practice

by Matt Malpass

The design was initially shown as part of the Monitor as Material exhibition (1996). The ambiguous design of the object proved problematic. In the gallery space, the experience of seeing the design is separated from everyday concerns and as a result, the design required explanation. Addressing this, Dunne developed an extrinsic narrative – or scenario of use – in the form of a pseudo-documentary. The documentary titled Pillow Talk features a user interacting with the object. This exercise situates the object in a context of use. The documentary supports the assertion that The Pillow is an object of design because the user audience can see the design in context and hear the user describe their interaction with it. The assertion that the object is a prototype design encourages the viewer to consider it in an everyday context of use.