Objects that have developed alternative uses

Fungtank

Hi,

I am currently studying for a master's in Interaction Design and am investigating how we attach emotions to inanimate objects.

Currently I am looking at how objects can take on new functions through user interpretation, desire and need. An example of this is using a beer mat to prop up a wobbly table. Another example could be using a chair as a ladder. These uses were not originally considered in the design of the product but through user experience it can be said that if you are sitting at a wobbly table in a pub the first thing you do is look for a beer mat or if you need to change a lightbulb but can't reach and don't have a ladder then you look for a chair.

I am looking for you lovely people to suggest other objects that have taken on alternative uses through user experience. Objects that were designed for one purpose but we now equally associate them for alternative uses.

Thanks

FarmerGreen

The internet.
I was always down the library after school. reading stuff.
Just about anything.
Electronics mostly, aerodynamics, even social interaction and graphic design.

Then the internet came along and it was just as exciting.
But now I just use it as a lazy thing.
Post it on the boards and some genius will turn up and do the work for me.
Well, not exactly a genius , but even idiots have an opinion.
Just ask a bus queue.

Times change though and they get wise to it.

Seeing as a everyone else on boards cant be arxed, may I be #2 in your thread?
Thanks.
Well then, I will say---sod off and do some work.

FarmerGreen

Sorry I just can't resist temptation. Especially after a beer.
Wotto me lads, here we go.

>>I am currently studying for a master's in Interaction Design and am investigating how we attach emotions to inanimate objects.

As in I hate that twat and I will throw a brick at them.

>>Currently I am looking at how objects can take on new functions through user interpretation, desire and need.
Carry on.

>>An example of this is using a beer mat to prop up a wobbly table. Another example could be using a chair as a ladder. These uses were not originally considered in the design of the product but through user experience it can be said that if you are sitting at a wobbly table in a pub the first thing you do is look for a beer mat or if you need to change a lightbulb but can't reach and don't have a ladder then you look for a chair.
OK we are with ye so far.
>>I am looking for you lovely people to suggest other objects that have taken on alternative uses through user experience. Objects that were designed for one purpose but we now equally associate them for alternative uses.

Right now, the use of the word lovely in a poverty stricken agricultural environment in a pub, at this time of night, may indeed result in your head being stuffed up your arse.
An alternative use indeed.
Ahem...Currently

Hardly hypersonic propulsion or solar energy.
Dont get me wrong, pointless research is OK.
Couldnt you use your amazing intellect to make the lives of simple people a bit easier.
( I was going to say you smug twat but that would be rudeness)

deegs

Hi OP,

I'm doing research in this area but your question is not focused enough for any decent feedback.

Its interesting but anecdotal assuming board members want to play along, sorry...

I would be very interested in your results tho'!

Actually think the above example of the internet is very good, something that started out as an academic tool ends up as the ultimate source of procrastination

Also, don't confuse emotional affordance with functionality!