AxisGroup International Inc.

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Need and Want

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Tools, Toys, and ToolToys


Users shop for functional products to fulfil a tangible need,
or for fun products that appeal to the emotions.

Designers share this separation of function. They design tools
for need and toys for want. But some products are both tools
and toys at the same time.

Baby products must comply with rigid safety standards. Sports
equipment tests the limits of physical performance in the
name of fun.

It's not surprising to find that sports equipment is sold to people
who never play the sport. It's irresistible. No coat is lighter,
warmer and more fun to wear than the mountaineering parka;
no shoes more comfortable and witty than sports shoes.

Swatches, Nikes and telephones in the shape of Mickey Mouse
are all working tools and fun toys.

They are ToolToys.

 

© 1993- 1995 Alexander Manu ©1995 Danish Design Centre "ToolToys - Tools with an Element of Play "
The author grants permission to make a digital or hard copy of part or all of this work for personal use provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit. The copyright notice and the title of the publication must appear on all printed copies.