Values in design

Value can be defined in many different ways from a price to the importance and worth the object holds. a value of an item can dramatically change between person to person and they can hold different worths.

'nothing can have value without being an object of utility'

- Karl Marx

Marx is highlighting that objects that physically get used more often have more worth than random ornaments that just get placed on the shelves and collect dust. To a certain extent, I do agree with this statement as most of the objects I choose for my personal items meant something to me was used everyday/weekly as I don't make connections with trinkets as if there is no use for an object it economically is worthless. However, this could starkly contrast with someone else as everyone values different items at different worth for example my Nana values my sister and I's childhood drawings more than a random person off the street.

Most objects retain their value by the amount of time it takes the labourer to fulfil the task at hand. The materials are also weighed in as a ring that was made out of diamonds and a table made out of white oak wood which took the same amount of time to create could have a juxtaposing price tag as diamonds take years to be pressured and found. Unlike wood which can grow in a few decades depending on the type of wood and use cheaper equipment to create the final product.

Branding, trends and society can also change the worth of an object as these are valued in the exchange of the item, for example, most items that are higher in the exchange have less practicality and use towards it. Take water, for instance, this is one of the most valuable resources as it keeps us and the planet alive but you can get this item fr very little. but a diamond which has no purpose other than looking pretty has a high exchange rate because society tells us for example if you went into a restaurant and you were wearing jeans and a t-shirt with no branding depending on the place you would get treated differently to a person who came in with head to toe luxary/ designer branded items.

History and Theory

History and Theory

'Objects, value and values'

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