UpDroog: New business models for the repurposing of materials

Droog, through UpDroog, has been branching out to explore new models of production and distribution for tangible goods made of dead materials. UpDroog defines dead as materials that have already played out their role as finished products and have lost perceived value through use. UpDroog uses those leftover goods as raw material for "creative re-interpretation in order to bring leftovers back into circulation." They claim they're an alternative to recycling but it's unclear in what way they differ. UpDroog is also claiming to be an investigation into alternative business models. Unfortunately, they haven't made clear what those models are; how they're different; or how they are effectively being applied. The model they've provided looks fairly traditional and has defined value in terms of profit. I look forward to seeing some of the details flushed out and would be very excited to see what their service system looks like especially with human-centered and ecological values as their centerpiece.

Droog Lab

Image from the article A.B.C.D.E.‚ An Open Discussion on Design Process by Francesco Galli for Domus

Droog Lab is a design platform run by Droog in collaboration with local partners and designers worldwide. With a goal of defining the next generation of global design, the Droog Lab seeks inspiration from diverse societies in a series of eight projects from 2009-2012. Lessons learned locally are translated into globally-relevant design outcomes and publications.

Droog Lab seems focused on the potential of locally-driven projects and uses a process which engages with established or professional design groups to facilitate discovery and co-creation. Some of the issues that have been identified include a future state of collaborative consumption, and the impact of informal economies, transparency, and service-based platforms versus object-based solutions.

In my opinion, Droog may be discovering what others of us have been uncovering around the future of design and quite frankly, how the world is evolving. Specifically, contextual design that is highly resilient involves working cooperatively i.e. horizontally with local communities to uncover processes and solutions that are able to address local needs and celebrate their specific talents and experiences; That there is a need for real flexibility in design offerings. People have become active producers not just passive consumers and subsequently want and need to bend, tweak and mash offerings to their unique situations; And recognition that intangible service systems are products in themselves and are fundamental to how people interact with one another to share and exchange resources and experiences.

I very much appreciate the Lab's working principles. Please read their report for a more detailed explanation of each:
1. Celebrate differences.
2. Visit to learn, not to change.
3. Observation is your greatest tool.
4. Take an optimistic perspective.
5. Listen to anyone.
6. Experience the ordinary.
7. Get used to mixing.
8. Be open to the outcome.

Fish in the Sky by Nothing Design

This work by Nothing Design was part of Droog Design's Urban Play event in Amsterdam. As always, I was about two months late in finding out about the event, but I think something like this could have application in Pittburgh when it comes to generating ideas for community-based projects. Then again it could just provide some inspiration for some good ole-fashioned disruptive behavior.