Over the last 20 years we have been witnessing the steady evolution of the World Wide Web and with it the early developments of a networked society. Both producers and consumers now have potential access to a communication infrastructure that is geared towards sharing and exchange. This shift is profoundly changing our current models of creation, production and consumption. Just as digital cameras democratized photography ten years ago, the internet, CNC production techniques and free, easy-to-use 3D software is opening up the design profession today.
The participating consumer is no longer judging an object for what it is but rather imagines what it can become. Objects on the other hand are evolving into dynamic puzzles, self-improving product versions rather than rigid monoliths.
Both producers and consumers are now enriching the overall product ecosystem by feeding it with new soft- and hardware plug-ins, updates and add-ons.
The exhibition’Yes! We’re open.’ unfolded the first materialized outcomes of a collaborative design language. By showcasing very diverse products, services and systems, it offered a glimpse into the characteristics and aesthetics of this new design culture.
