Arc Works Design : Ants

ArcWorks Design is the creative ingredient in the manufacturing division of Arc of Monroe County in Rochester, NY. The in-house design team, also known as the “Daylite Super 7 (DS7),” collaborates with nationally and internationally recognized guest designers in the creation of new products that focus on celebrating the differences and the relationship between designed artifacts, also known as products, and the consumer. This process creates a sustainable in-house product development and manufacturing practice while enriching social/community outreach.

“Design Difference” begins the storytelling process with dialogue and understanding. Together DS7 and the guest designer identify and explore the uniqueness inherent to each artifact. This prelude in the artifact’s story becomes the character that gives it a life beyond the walls of the manufacturing and assembly process. Each chapter of the design process exposes the semiotic relationship between the designer, the consumer, and the artifact

During final assembly, the DS7 designer “tags” the final artifact. This “tag” becomes a means of engaging with the artifacts dialogue. Although the manufacturing is complete, it is the hope of the ArcWorks Design team that the artifact transcends being just a “product,” and develops an emotional and sustainable relationship with the consumer. This process of unique production encourages the consumer to participate by sharing their own pages to its ongoing story.