Neon dreams of safekeeping

This week’s thinking thursday takes a look at a team out of Switzerland who have studied their environment and made a dual-functioning product out of their research. Their name is SputnikZurich and they make cool products out of the orangeglo safety vests people hate.

Here’s their product description:

Sputnik Zurich is a small scale manufacturer of high visibility clothing and bags based in Zurich. Drawing directly from the city’s urban development for its inspiration, material + production, Sputnik Zurich’s aim is to keep bikers and pedestrians visible on the street while providing an open platform for the design and development of new ideas.

Checking out their about page and concept page is well worth it. I’m wondering if they have some urban planning/architecture background based on the way they approached their research. As a bike-rider, I’m all about products that make non-motorists more visible to those speeding along wrapped in metal and airbags. I’ve had many a close call that has made me wonder what else I could have done to be seen. Unless I’m out for a workout, I typically have a bag on my back, and I’ve specifically purchased bags in the past that came with reflective striping. SputnikZurich just took it one step further and turned the safety vest we all love to hate into a bag that helps us tote our goods AND makes sure we’re seen. Two points to these guys!

On a larger scale, this goes to show that things people loathe to use even though they know it’s good for them (safety vest) can be a wanted product if you make it fun (bag). I’m certain there are other examples out there, though unfortunately there are also PLENTY of examples that showcase functionality without aesthetic and miss out on the ability to actually be a wanted object, versus just a needed object. Bravo to these cats for going the right direction in design.