What goes in the design of a surveillance camera? An object with the implicit function of remaining as invisible as possible. An object designed to hide what it is, how it works and what are its ulterior motives. Something created not to be noticed, understood or liked. That is the antithesis of a good object, the polar opposite of what a noble thing should be; it is a grand celebration of anti-design. I imagine surveillance cameras are designed and manufactured under secretive procedures, in anonymous environments where isolation and security are the primordial factors. With that in mind it is no surprise they are such eyesores. They have plastic casings and black hardware inside; they can be adapted to a wall or be suspended from the ceiling; with minor modifications in their formal and technological DNA, they can be adapted to public spaces, dwellings, offices, commercial environments, etc. It is hard to believe that most societies embrace these objects and celebrate how they, in theory, keep them safe, although there are studies that prove otherwise. The socio-political implication of the mass implantation of surveillance cameras in society is a topic worth discussing –or taking action for- beyond this blog. Here, today, let me invite you to take a good look at the object depicted in the image and try to imagine how far it is from good design: an object conceived to make everyone’s life absolutely public is quite a senseless achievement. Think about it.
