designobjecten

Designobjecten, the Dutch term for designed artifacts, are tangible objects produced through intentional design to fulfill a function, convey meaning, or embody a certain aesthetic. They include physical products such as furniture and appliances as well as digital artifacts like interactive interfaces. In a design context, they are the focus of disciplines such as industrial design, product design, and interaction design, as well as design research.

Key characteristics include a combination of function, form, and materiality. They are evaluated for usability, ergonomics, manufacturability, and lifecycle considerations such as durability and repairability. Sustainability and responsible production are increasingly central, with attention to material choices, energy use, and end-of-life options.

Designobjecten span a range of typologies, from everyday domestic items to luxury objects, from physical devices to virtual services. They may be designed primarily for mass production or for bespoke contexts. The study of designobjecten often uses concepts like affordances, user experience, and symbolic meaning, and may address cultural, social, and ethical implications.

The design process typically includes research, concept work, prototyping, and testing, followed by production and distribution. Evaluation combines technical performance with aesthetics, user satisfaction, cost, and environmental impact. In architectural and urban contexts, objects such as installations or street furniture are also considered designobjecten.