SUGGESTIVE DIVISION

Our first study model HF00 utilized division during the production process to turn material that was cut-off into something useful. However, little thought was given at that point to what more the act of division could achieve other than that of separation. Along the way, we further contemplated this and defined what the process meant to us as a practice. Subsequently, we gained new insights and findings through the application of the act of division in more projects.

Division to our practice, is not just about separation, deconstruction, or duplication. It is also a process of miniaturization as forms that arise through division can only be smaller than the primary form from which they have derived. This implies that any form, if divided strategically, can house a smaller form that performs a similar function to the primary form. The act of division then also fulfils the concept of sharing forms where a form possesses dormant functions that can be activated when required.

Activation of the dormant form in this case, is accomplished through the act of division instead of folding or twisting. The difference between these two modes of activation lies in the ability to retain the integrity of the primary form. Activating dormant forms through division physically separates the form and is an irreversible process (refer to Fig. A). Cues such as perforation lines, printed cutting lines or temporal adhesives are applied to the primary form to prompt that new forms are available if divided and separated. We term this suggestive division.

As division and separation are actions that require more effort than folding or twisting and at times require tools to achieve, it is important to leverage on existing actions or situations that a user might encounter to make the separation not a hassle, but one of the outcomes that these actions and situations presents. HF10 and HF11 are two study models that we developed using suggestive division (refer to Fig. B).

Our practice often designs packaging for the food & beverages sector. We are always challenged to create packaging that not only looks good but is also highly functional. The packaging should solve a business or user’s problem such as helping to reduce costs, wastage or to enhance a user’s experience.

HF10 was an idea we developed for a bakery – a pastry box that could subsequently be divided into smaller boxes (refer to Fig. C). After the initial unboxing and consumption of the food, users can not only divide the leftovers, but also be provided takeaway boxes to house these. By strategically placing the perforated regions, we are able to divide the original box into two with a single tear, allowing it to Hyperfunction again in its smaller forms (refer to Figs. D & E).

HF11 – a sticky note pad, was the result of a brief to create an interesting stationery item (refer to Fig. F). Through observation, we realized that users like to fold and divide larger sticky notes into smaller pieces and to utilize them as tabs. As such, we applied vertical perforation lines on the sticky note pad to prompt and to help users divide the sheets easily (refer to Fig. G).

The word ‘suggestive’ implies the existence of another possibility for use – for an object to Hyperfunction. Designing with suggestive division is to understand that an object does not always have to be ‘single-use’ – that it can be used again when divided and miniaturized. This also helps us creatively think of ways to share forms, whilst considering the user experience of an object.