How can products adapt to the challenges of the experience economy?

Abstract

The basis of my research is an alternative approach to everyday-products design, which instead of catering for quick and clever functionality, comfort and aesthetics, seeks to deepen and augment users or audiences' experience, which is currently undermined by the temporary and commercial modern everyday-life. The research focuses on delicate domestic rituals, such as spending time at the dinner table or in the living room, developing product-related ceremonies, sharing them with others and inscribing an emotional experience of all previous product-audience encounters and experiences. This emotional experience will then strive to differentiate these products from their commoditised rival substitutes. Written and designed exploration will suggest some products that could meet the challenges of the Experience Economy (Pine & Gilmore, 1999), while achieving experience differentiation and sustainability.