Muji Encourages Optimism with Design

Ticket Gate by Makoto UMEBARA

Muji Labs has launched a wonderful project in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. They are not only trying to raise the chins of Japanese, they are also trying to encourage Japan to become a nation that runs on smart energy.

To translate this belief into action, MUJI approached a number of designers around the world and asked them to provide a design idea as an expression of support for Japan. Each designer was asked to draw his or her idea for energy in daily life within an “Enjoy! ( ) Energy.” framework, and describe it in terms that fit within the parentheses.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Eco-Plug by Yeongkyu YOO

Don’t Print, Write by John MAEDA

Bright by Sam HECHT

Sundial Wristwatch by Yasuhiro SUZUKI

Check out the rest of the wonderful ideas and, I must say, cool sketches at Muji Labs.