Kenya Hara
Born in Okayama, 1958
Graphic designer, professor at Musashino Art University, and representative of Nippon Design Center
Kenya Hara is drawn to the substance rather than the matter of design. Behind the art direction of MUJI since 2002, he has participated in many collaborative projects centering on exhibitions and publications, including Re-Design: The Daily Products of the 21st Century and Haptic—Awakening the Senses. His recent book Design of Design (published in Japanese by Iwanami Shoten) was awarded the 26th Suntory Prize for Social Sciences and Humanities.
[ February 2007 ]
Sony. It's an attitude.
Particular products epitomize "Sony design" for many people, but for me, it comes down to much more. Instead of products, Sony represents an attitude. Capturing the unknown potential of technology perfectly, and expressing it in the details, at a level closest to our senses. That's my overall impression from Sony products as a whole.
It's easy to understand if we compare technology to works of art. Even masterpieces appear somehow lacking until people appreciate them. That's when they become truly complete. Beyond the works themselves, it's how people interpret or receive them that matters. And it's the same for technology. What matters is deciding how people will want to embrace new technology or features. Sony satisfies our senses in this regard with a very delicate touch, to exacting standards. I think this attitude is inherent in something that distinguishes Sony products.
Design is all in the details
Don't misunderstand me, but I'd venture to say I perceive something uniquely Japanese in the details that convey this attitude. Many people might equate Sony with products that are compact, but no matter how advanced the technology becomes, it's never enough just to shrink products. Buttons any smaller than your fingertips are just too hard to press, after all. But when we design with a delicate touch drawing on Japanese traditions, the question changes from how buttons are colored or shaped to how pressing them feels when we use a device, or what impression we get from the interaction. Polished products make us appreciate that they're small and enjoyable to use. They convey a sense of quality. And it's here that Sony has traditionally excelled.
I've been loyal to the Sony brand because of this. I always seem to be reaching for my Cyber-shot. I've enjoyed using these cameras for years, but I must admit, I inevitably seem to lose them somehow. When I do, I always pick up Sony's latest. And when I bought a Handycam recently, it was because it felt great in use, too. Just as I expected. How the buttons feel when pressed, how the device responds. But I also notice Sony's attention to detail in larger products. Looking at BRAVIA flat-panel sets, I get the impression that Sony outshines everyone else in the meticulous finish of the screen.
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| Cyber-shot(DSC-N1) |
Handycam(HDR-HC3) |
BRAVIA(X2500 Series) |
