More disagreements with Massimo

How can one not love kitsch? I do not embrace it in my design, but I appreciate it as a cultural artifact. Yes, the gold seat is unnecessary, but doesn’t it make you feel special?

OK, sarcasm aside, I do believe that ignoring preconceived notions may be important in the formation stage of design. However, we must reference it if we expect people to understand. We do design for people, right?

Take, for example, the trash can. We don't literally have a trash can on our computer, but the Mac designers understand that throwing away our computer files is pretty much the same as the paper ones. Although, I do appreciate that Windows has a recycle bin.

I guess even Mac can't be perfect. The point, though, is that people need references so that we can understand in our tiny little brains what people like Mr. Vignelli are actually trying to say. If, as a by product, we get a little kitsch in the mix, I can't say that I would be all too ticked off.

Modernism speaks of timeless values, but does it actually exist? What can be more timeless than a trash can? Certainly not this.
This design also contradicts one of Vignelli's favored points - functionality. Yes, these chairs have multiple positions, but can they actually reproduce?