So today’s newsletter is not what you’d usually expect. This time, I bring you a handpicked list of five movies that will not only entertain but also broaden your perspective as designers. I know, I know, with all your tasks and deadlines you’re a very busy designer. However, just like every businessman has seen “Wall Street” and every professional boxer has seen “Rocky” I think there is a list of movies that designers should watch. So grab some popcorn, or maybe save that later and let’s explore this list of 5 must see movies for designers.
1. Design and thinking: If as a designer you haven’t seen this movie, then I may just have to tell you to turn in your design membership card because how? I’ll forgive you though if you promise to check it out after you’re done with this article. This thought-provoking documentary examines the concept of design thinking and its application in various industries. It explores how designers approach problems with a human-centred mindset, embracing empathy, collaboration, and iterative processes. It will show you the ins and outs of 21st century design among other things. Such as, how design thinking applies to a business model, how people are changing the world with their own creative minds.
2. Indie Game; The Movie: What’s it like to make a hit video game with a staff of one or two people, taking meetings with Microsoft execs before going back to 12 hours of pixel painting? Well, watch the movie and find out. In a high-stakes race to make both deadlines and ends meet, two design teams built Super Meat Boy and Fez, two of the biggest critical and commercial indie hits of the last decade, in this very fascinating documentary.
3. Objectified: Directed by Gary Hustwit, this documentary delves into the world of industrial design. It explores the impact of everyday objects on our lives and the thought process behind their creation. From iconic designs to innovative solutions, "Objectified" will deepen your appreciation for the design process and the role it plays in shaping our world. Even if you are an experienced designer you might find some ideas totally new and learn a bit. It features lots of well known designers like Jonathan Ive and Chris Bangle.
4. Everything is a remix: This is not an actual movie though. It is a series of 4 short videos about remix and how it influences creativity and the process of developing new ideas. Long story short- nothing is new. Any kind of production implies that there are many pre existing sources of inspiration, and that is entirely normal and absolutely okay. This film explores notions like originality, inspiration, and creativity, as well as the origins of good ideas.
You can find the entire series here.
5. Art and Copy: Do you ever have the impression that watching a film or TV show temporarily alters the way you view the world? This particular movie is the kind that will do just that. Each billboard or commercial will get more of your attention because after seeing this movie, you’ll begin to spend more time examining them. This is primarily due to the film's makers' excellent use of creativity and advertising to emphasise their point. Anyone who wants to develop successful campaigns like "Think different," "Just do it," or "Got Milk?" needs to see this.
6. Design is One: If you ever get to visit New York and you take the subway, maybe look closer at the subway map. You might think this idea strange, however did you know that the two most important designers of this century created the NYC Subway Map? Massimo and Lella Vignelli. Vignelli Associates is considered one of the greatest cross-disciplinary design firms in history and this film profiles the creative relationship of these two amazing designers, which spanned decades.
7. PressPausePlay: A wide range of artistic expression is now possible for artists thanks to the digitalization and accessibility of art and design. Anyone can express their artistic side in so many ways and forms. People typically do that because they want to express a concept or a feeling. This film addresses the issue of how to distinguish between good and terrible art in a society where everyone has the ability to create it. More importantly, will the postmodern movement result in art that is of mediocre quality? Deep thoughts huh?
Is there a movie that inspired you as a designer and it’s not in this list? Please share the title in the comments, and maybe we’ll compile your answers and do a part 2 of this series.