Why shouldn't an object, trusted to contain so many words, be given its own voice? Le Comic Mailbox may not speak, but the designer's sense of humor has given it the conversational form of a cartoon callout.
Marcial Ahsayane of the Design Studio Ahsayane must have felt rather bored with the inanimate appearance of most letter boxes, having infused this contemporary mail coffer with playful character, despite its potential to look rather plain. The materiality of smooth, curved and polished metals gives the object the aesthetics of security and slickness, but it's the simple addition of a hook at its base which turns the rounded rectangle into a charming speech bubble. The subtly divergent form of Le Comic Mailbox allows the important envelopes to be stuffed into the locked compartment, and any flyers to be tucked into the tag.
Speech Bubble Letterboxes
Le Comic Mailbox has Plenty to Say for itself
Trend Themes
1. Dialogue-driven Products - Designers are imbuing inanimate objects with conversational forms to create dialogue-driven products and services.
2. Humorous Minimalism - The new wave of minimalism involves using humor, irony and absurdity to make everyday objects playful and charming.
3. Functional Design Personalization - Designers are giving mundane items a personal touch with subtle, yet functional design alterations that enhance the user experience.
Industry Implications
1. Product Design - Product designers in various industries can take inspiration from the trend of imbuing inanimate objects with conversational forms to create innovative and playful products.
2. Home Decor - Home decor and furnishings companies can explore the trend of using humor, irony and absurdity in minimalist design to create playful and unique products for the home.
3. Office Supplies - Office supply manufacturers can adopt the trend of giving mundane objects a personal touch with subtle design alterations that enhance the user experience and add personality to everyday items.