Stories in Form: a product design exhibition inspired by academic research

Storytelling has been described as the “central craft of the exhibition designer” (Lorenc et al 1994, p.104). Storytelling is also the pursuit of the product designer and has been the central focus of research for the authors over a number of years. The authors have developed a four-part methodology for product design that provides the potential to instill meaningful stories in products. One of the authors and her design partner of the award-winning design practice bernabeifreeman, have been implementing this methodology in their own lighting products. Recently, this storytelling framework provided the conceptual basis for an exhibition held in Sydney featuring five renowned Australian designers.

Firstly, this paper will describe the storytelling framework or product narrative. Secondly, the conceptual framework for the exhibition will be discussed, including exhibitions as creative research output. Thirdly, communicating the product narrative beyond the products, through the graphic design and spatial nature of the exhibition will be described. Finally, the successes and perceived faults of communicating with the audiences will be considered.