My Life in a Sock Drawer

Roots BoxJewellery container that knits itself — *Roots Box*
Jewellery container that knits itself

Second LifeMakes unworn jewellery wearable again — *Second Life*
Makes unworn jewellery wearable again

The UnContainer for objects of discomfort — *The Un*
Container for objects of discomfort

Ubiquitous BoxMakes any drawer or cupboard a jewellery box — *Ubiquitous Box*
Makes any drawer or cupboard a jewellery box

Periscopic BoxesIf you can see the jewellery it can see you — *Periscopic Boxes*
If you can see the jewellery it can see you

Now BoxAdapts itself over a lifetime — *Now Box*
Adapts itself over a lifetime

My Life in a Sock Drawer (2007) was a research project examining the potential for designers to engage with the emotional significance of objects by focusing on the storage of sentimental jewellery.

It traces the relationship between unworn jewellery and identity, and the means by which women use jewellery to access and evidence their life experiences. In light of this, the research proposes alternatives to conventional storage boxes.

Primary information was gathered during interviews with a selection of women and this was used to guide practical design processes such as drawing and modelling. Consequently a series of object outcomes were produced.

These new 'containers' are intended to reflect and augment certain types of interaction uncovered during the interviews. The project provides new insights into the psychology of storage and constitutes a fertile design strategy.

Download a pdf explaining the project.

Funded by the AHRC.