thingsbe

Thingsbe is a term used in contemporary philosophy and design discourse to indicate that everyday objects have a form of presence or agency that shapes human behavior. The coinage blends "things" and "to be" to highlight the ontological status of material artifacts within social life.

Origin and scope: The term has appeared in online design criticism and speculative philosophy since the early 2010s as part of debates about materiality and technology. It is not a formal school but a recurring motif used to discuss how objects participate in actions, decisions, and environments.

Conceptual framework: Thingsbe draws on strands of object-oriented ontology and thing theory, while remaining oriented toward practical design questions. It emphasizes materiality, affordances, and the mediating roles of devices, spaces, and products in everyday routines.

Applications: In product development and interaction design, thingsbe urges consideration of how artifacts influence user choices, workflows, and social interaction, beyond explicit user intent. In architecture and urban design, it highlights how streets, furniture, and sensing technologies shape behavior.

Criticism: Critics warn that the term can be vague or risk anthropomorphizing non-sentient artifacts. Proponents respond that it provides a usable lens for analyzing material agency while preserving human responsibility.

Related concepts include object-oriented ontology, material culture, and thing theory.