Unveiling the Hidden Genius: Everyday Objects' Design Revealed at Hong Kong's M+ Museum

In a world where design is often overlooked, a unique exhibition at Hong Kong's M+ museum is shedding light on the intricate details behind everyday objects. Inspired by the Japanese educational television series 'Design Ah!', the 'Design Ah! Experience the Wonder of Everyday Design' exhibition is an immersive experience that invites visitors to appreciate the genius behind the most ordinary things in life.

The concept of 'Design Ah!' originated in 2010, when Japanese broadcaster NHK launched a children's educational television series that charmed audiences with its creative explanations of everyday objects' design. The show's success led to the creation of an exhibition, which has now been adapted for its first overseas edition at the M+ museum in Hong Kong. By methodically dissecting objects and laying out their components, the exhibition makes visitors go 'ah!' with wonder.

A classic Japanese leather school satchel, for instance, is unstitched to expose its metal buckles, leather panels, and cardboard lining. A cup noodle is disassembled, revealing its plastic wrapping, paper lid, styrofoam cup, compressed block of noodles, seasoning powder, and dried ingredients. Even a piece of tuna sushi is separated into its raw tuna slice, green wasabi, and hundreds of grains of rice. The exhibition also explores the natural world, showcasing the intricate make-up of broccoli and Shimeji mushrooms.

The M+ team has localized nine of the exhibition's 21 stations specifically for Hong Kong, incorporating everyday items such as umbrellas, piggy banks, rubber flip-flops, and cha chaan teng plastic cups. To ensure accuracy, the team conducted research in supermarkets, stationery shops, and Shanghai Street stores, using Pantone colour matchers to identify the specific hues of various objects. According to Ikko Yokoyama, lead curator of design and architecture at M+, the aim of the exhibition is not to present functional or aesthetically pleasing designs, but to encourage visitors to observe and appreciate the role of design in their daily lives.

As Yokoyama notes, 'Design is for humans. It's the same in Hong Kong, Japan, the US, or Europe, but it is often guided by local habits and their specificities.' The exhibition's localized elements reflect this philosophy, highlighting the unique characteristics of Hong Kong's culture and everyday life. By exploring the design of ordinary objects, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which design shapes their experiences and interactions.

The 'Design Ah! Experience the Wonder of Everyday Design' exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of design, inviting visitors to slow down and appreciate the intricate details that often go unnoticed. Whether you're a design enthusiast, a curious observer, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of everyday objects, this exhibition is a must-visit destination in Hong Kong.