I wrote the text below in 2016 and describes the basis and vision behind the Basale brand. I describe how I see the technology around us developing like an express train, and what the dangers are.
We are now 7 years later and the train seems to rumble on. 10x as fast even..
Vision BASAL
The world around us is developing at a frantic pace. We innovate in every conceivable area to make life more enjoyable, healthier, easier, safer and more efficient. Technologies are getting smarter and are increasingly present in the most everyday products. Our car autonomously takes us from A to B and our house knows when we get home, to turn on the lights, turn on the heating and provide you with the latest news. These developments naturally sound fantastic; they make life more pleasant, safer, more sustainable, etc. However, the downside of these developments intrigues me more and more. Do all innovations actually make us happier?
What is also happening is the formation of a "face-down" society that largely takes place in a virtual world on our mobile devices.
The illusions found in abundance in this virtual world alienate us more and more from the real experiences in the real world. That is why, as an Industrial Designer, I see interesting development opportunities growing; I want to let people enjoy real life again by encouraging them to take control and be creative themselves.
I am convinced that putting effort into something yourself gives value and satisfaction to the product that is put down. Value for yourself and value for the possible recipient. Compare it with the signature of your famous artist. It takes a lot of effort to get this one, but once you have it, it's a unique trophy. On the other hand: a copy of the exact same signature is worthless.
"Maybe we should rethink what actually makes us happy? To tap into our own creative powers? To live the happiness with room for real interaction?"
The essence will therefore always be that the value of the result is determined by the effort invested in it. It is therefore not about the result, but about the context behind that result. A product may also be seen as a "result"; a result of one's effort, in the broadest sense of the word. Every product therefore carries a story, and that story represents a value. In other words: a product without a story is empty !
I think it's time to ask ourselves if we're not becoming too dependent on all modern technologies; technologies that make our own creativity superfluous. Perhaps we should rethink what actually makes us happy? To tap into our own creative abilities? To the happiness of life with room for real interaction?
This question forms the basis of my design processes. In my design it will therefore be important at all times that the user is at the helm. The results achieved thus reflect a creative, independent and unique person.
