The objects that Henry Franks designs share his dyslexia—these everyday items have quirks based on this condition—but their functionality is enhanced, not limited.
For instance, his Muglexia (shown above) illustrates inversion, a symptom of dyslexia, but they are more stable and less likely to be knocked over. Franks’ Poor Memory Pen Pots can only hold two or three pens at a time— they’re forgetful, you see, but compare these to conventional pen and pencil holders: typical holders contain far more pens, but lining the bottom of most of these are a thick loam of bent paperclips, ticket stubs, years-old business cards, scraps of paper, and handfuls of dirty pennies. The limiting factor of Franks’ pen pots prevents the user from creating a tiny trash heap on his or her desk. Franks applies this same thinking to drink coasters, mugs and coat hangers, all of which have their foibles but present solutions where conventional objects fall short.
Franks was named New Designer of the Year at New Designers 2013, one of the UK’s most important graduate design exhibitions. The award included a cash prize as well as legal, accounting, and public relations advice. Franks also hopes that sales of his work can help pay down some of his Northumbria University college loans, so maybe you should check out his web site.
Above image: Muglexia by Henry Franks. Photograph courtesy of the designer.
Confused Coat Hangers by Henry Franks are chronically distracted, but on the bright side they can hang either way without having to be turned around.
Poor Memory Pen Pots by Henry Franks.
The Coaster Plinth by Henry Franks wants to be a coaster but botched the dimensions. As a result, it encourages people to be careful and more aware of their cup, resulting in fewer spills. All images courtesy of the designer.
Henry Franks was named 2013 New Designer of the Year
Add your valued opinion to this post.