it's a walking stick that's had a boob job

And so Design for Life comes to an end. And, just as I predicted back at the start (in a comment on Ben's blog) "I think the blonde girl will win. Says it all, really."

Now, absolutely no disrespect to Ilsa, but here's what this series has taught us: in Phillipe Starck's world, it's how things look that counts.

But then I guess that's what most people think designers are for - to make things look nice. Or 'sexy', as Starck would say.

Comments

[Richard]

Don't want to get into a big ding dong about this but I do think you're underestimating the effectiveness of that stick. I thought it seemed to work well and answered a specific problem/issue. Would have been good to have seen it demo-ed by and oldy though. I thought the series was woeful but the stick was good; it's just a shame they didn't try very hard to show us just how good it was.

(Or am I wrong and the stick isn't any good which is why they didn't try very hard to prove it's worth).

In general, the whole thing gave the impression that the British "Design Scene" is lacking but really it was Starck's (or was it the programme maker's) pityful selection process (candidates were chosen on the merit of their drawings alone) that was pretty shallow.

(I could go on, but I've soup waiting...)

[davidthedesigner]

Well Richard, the problem is that the programme has provided us with no evidence at all that the stick is effective. It's designed for old people, right? So where are the old people testing it out? On the basis of the programme, I simply have to accept that it's a winner because Starck think it looks 'sexy'.

But let's face it, if and when I get to my 90s and I need a stick to keep me upright, I'm certainly not stepping out with that one. And I doubt that you would either.

And the weakness of the products that Starck has chosen to shortlist in this series extend beyond the stick. Take the 'stable' tray, for instance. When was the last time you looked at Stevie Wonder and thought "ooh, I bet he has problems using a knife and fork"?

[Richard]

You're right of course. The whole thing was shallow and disappointing. But perhaps there'll be a follow-up programme that'll prove us wrong and show how great those products are. I'm not holding my breath though.