My Life in a Sock Drawer

Laura Potter

20 January 2007

Project

This project examines the potential for designers to engage with the emotional significance of objects by focusing on the storage of sentimental jewellery. It traces the relationship between unworn jewellery and identity, and the means by which women use jewellery to access and evidence their life experiences. In light of this, the research proposes alternatives to conventional storage boxes. Primary information was gathered during interviews with a selection of women and this was used to guide practical design processes such as drawing and modelling. Consequently a series of object outcomes were produced. These new “containers” are intended to reflect and augment certain types of interaction uncovered during the interviews. The project provides new insights into the psychology of storage and constitutes a fertile design strategy. It was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

http://homepages.gold.ac.uk/laurapotter/