Thankyou. I am also a collector. One of the things my grandparents taught me to do. I am grateful to them. My wife not so much. My father was in design, and also a collector, who happened to work in a museum for much of his working life. It is definitely the journey for me. I have kept many of my mobile computing and phones, partly to remind myself that I was part of the journey to the future in technology. I collect books of my favourite writers, exploring the journey of their careers. I collect musical instruments, most of which I play. I also collect memories....
"Inspiration is best encountered laterally. If you’re designing software, don’t just go and look at other apps and websites. Build up a collection of things from all the corners of culture and the natural world. You never know, it might even be a pebble from a beach in Devon that makes something click"
I am exactly the same, my house is full of seashells, rocks, pieces of wood, dried flowers…I am really curious about this impulse of collecting. I have the theory it started in prehistory and it was instrumental in us having an aesthetic sense. You are absolutely right, I think collecting stuff is a very important part of finding beauty, and of being creative as a result.
Totally. I recently learned about the “extended mind” theory of Annie Murphy Paul. I think that in some way we think and learn through our environments, which is why they are so important.
Yes! I know a similar theory by Lambros Malafouris (a professor at Oxford) called “Material Engagement Theory” that is about the same idea and I agree that we learn in relation to the material world, instead of just thinking in our heads.
Thankyou. Your essay brought a tear of happiness and understanding to my eyes.
Thankyou. I am also a collector. One of the things my grandparents taught me to do. I am grateful to them. My wife not so much. My father was in design, and also a collector, who happened to work in a museum for much of his working life. It is definitely the journey for me. I have kept many of my mobile computing and phones, partly to remind myself that I was part of the journey to the future in technology. I collect books of my favourite writers, exploring the journey of their careers. I collect musical instruments, most of which I play. I also collect memories....
"Inspiration is best encountered laterally. If you’re designing software, don’t just go and look at other apps and websites. Build up a collection of things from all the corners of culture and the natural world. You never know, it might even be a pebble from a beach in Devon that makes something click"
Love this!
This read was greatly appreciated.
Love your newsletter -- undoubtedly my favourite on Substack. Keep doing what you're doing!
Thanks Frank, really glad you’re enjoying Design Lobster 😊
Thoroughly enjoyed this edition of Design Lobster. I have an urge to collect things.
I am exactly the same, my house is full of seashells, rocks, pieces of wood, dried flowers…I am really curious about this impulse of collecting. I have the theory it started in prehistory and it was instrumental in us having an aesthetic sense. You are absolutely right, I think collecting stuff is a very important part of finding beauty, and of being creative as a result.
Oh cool, I’ll have to look that up!
Totally. I recently learned about the “extended mind” theory of Annie Murphy Paul. I think that in some way we think and learn through our environments, which is why they are so important.
Yes! I know a similar theory by Lambros Malafouris (a professor at Oxford) called “Material Engagement Theory” that is about the same idea and I agree that we learn in relation to the material world, instead of just thinking in our heads.