You Are What You Own

Last Tuesday I attended a lecture given by John Zimmerman from Carnegie Mellon, discussing design and product attachment. He described objects as having a role in the owner's life: possessions are a way to explore a new role, or to help you meet your life goals. The main point was that people put emotion into their possessions and then use these possessions as a way of defining who they are. Right now I'm surrounded by the following brands: Apple, D&G, Old Navy, Bic. These things all say something about me: computer decorated with stickers and programs I like, fun designer glasses, comfy sweater, etc. However, when I bought these things none of them had much emotional meaning, and weren't really chosen to fulfill a role... On the other hand, my closet is full of old pairs of jeans that I can't bear to throw out because they're my favorites, and seem to be a defining part of my wardrobe. 

I think there are two times that you buy products to help fulfill a role: first, when you are assuming a new role and try to surround yourself with objects that will help you adjust to that role; and second, once you have adjusted to a new role and have identified objects you could use to perform that role better. In this case, products are helping you to fulfill a role, but not necessarily by helping you define the role: sometimes you already know the role and you just need a better accessory to go with it. And, to me, keeping products around due to built-up emotional attachment comes largely from experience, even though we usually have a strong initial reaction to something really new and interesting.

This is the first design lecture I've attended that focused heavily on the reflective goals a user has, rather than the behavioral and visceral aspects. While I don't totally agree with all the ideas in the lecture, it was fun to look at products from a broad, life-goal point of view.