Knot was created by me and my two good friends back in 2009.
The idea behind our work rooted from the question “Why does most products come with manuals? Why can’t I do whatever I want with them?”
There are many customizable products on the market, but our perspective on customizing is a bit different. We encourage users to be more creative and collective as all Knot products and projects are designed in a way that allows you to build your own world within by eliminating some of the limitations that exist in most products today.
We are so connected with everything through touch screens and the internet that we can easily be disconnected from others nowadays. Actual meaningful conversations and human interactions are fading away rather quickly with the further development of technology.
Here at Knot, we believe we all miss that connection deeply, so we try to bring those necessary social connections back with the products/projects we provide. We have five amazing senses we’re born with, but with devices that force you to use only a few of those senses, we’re limited. So much of our senses are dulled since most of the work is done for us with technology. As much as it is convenient, it does not allow us to be completely aware. It is structured and programmed, but it lacks freedom and abstract beauty.
When was the last time you have written a journal on a fresh piece of paper rather than posting something on SNS? When was the last time you sent or received a heartfelt and handwritten postcard/letter rather than a text message or e-mails? When was the last time went for a walk or look into your friend’s eyes and talked?
We all inherently miss the old things, hence why things like record players and film cameras are coming back in trend. We appreciate the sound of the vinyl, and we appreciate the time we wait for the processing of negative films. Those gave us the experiences that devices now couldn’t. We are all missing the process of creation. We get instant results from products that do not provide the experience that Knot products possess.
Set down your phone and laptop for a moment and doodle something on paper. Talk to your friends about your new business ideas and share some photos from your vacation. Look at your family’s eyes who’s sitting in front of you, not through Instagram photos, but through your own eyes.
Even screens are everywhere we go, That could be connective and engaging. It’s all matter of interaction.
if there is a billboard screen on the side of the road saying “Come shop at —, $10 off on Tuesday” You probably won’t talk about that deal with your partner right next to you. But what if the sign says something funny or nudging? or personal? You probably laugh at it and discuss with your partner next to you, next thing you know You two are talking about experience, events, and people that reminded you from just a sign.
Likes and follows on your social media are never really satisfying, nor helpful for your life, but being in the moment with those who you love will always leave you warm feelings and also memories.
As a designer, Knot Design will always be inspired to bring some of those necessary qualities in people’s lives and to help them thrive in creativity, freedom, and happiness, and most importantly, to bring all those ideas and qualities together to form a strong bond between all of us. Like a knot.
