You Shape Tools Shape You

Exploring the Reciprocal Relationship Between Designers and Tools

The exhibition "You Shape Tools Shape You" by designer Kyuha Shim delves into the contemporary relationship between designers and their tools. Inspired by Marshall McLuhan's statement, "We shape tools and thereafter our tools shape us," Shim presents a thought-provoking exploration of how designers and their tools influence and reflect each other.

The exhibition showcases a graphic installation on the wall that embodies this new model of relation. The material's reflectivity resonates with the reciprocal and mirroring symptoms of "shaping" and "being shaped." Through a series of posters, Shim presents typographic forms that exemplify the reciprocal interaction with a computational system. These forms are generated through an algorithm that considers a set of parameters, resulting in a range of variations within a rule-set.

Shim's work challenges the traditional notion of tools as mere instruments for carrying out functions. In the realm of computational design, tools become an integral part of the design process, shaping and being shaped by designers in a continuous and reciprocal activity. This new model redefines the relationship between designers and tools, emphasizing the importance of logical thinking processes and the generation of multiple iterations.

The exhibition features an installation made with aluminum tape, measuring 2650mm x 4000mm, and a series of posters printed digitally, each measuring 700mm x 1000mm. The physicality of the exhibition space played a role in reshaping the project, leading to the regeneration of an iteration for the installation.

"You Shape Tools Shape You" was on display at the Hockney Gallery, Royal College of Art in London, from January 27 to February 1. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the reciprocal relationship between designers and their tools, highlighting the transformative power of design in our lives.

This thought-provoking exhibition by Kyuha Shim was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Generative, Algorithmic, Parametric, and AI-Assisted Design category in 2015. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, technical skill, and contribute to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.