Everything in our world is in constant flux — our inner feelings, moods, and sensations, as well as the outer world: seasons, weather, physical environments, and even political, economic, and societal circumstances.

So why design objects that stagnate?

Why create static items intended for only one use, one look, and one ambiance?

When an object is designed to be “picture-perfect” and fixed at the time of release, its trajectory becomes inherently linear — each trace of use pulling it further from its original perfection. This linear path leads toward obsolescence, as every scratch or mark is seen as a flaw, signaling rejection.

In contrast, the resilient design-object embraces openness. It is created to adapt to the user, to integrate with their routines, and to become more “right” the more it is used.

Open design-objects are flexible, unfinished at the time of release, and designed to evolve over time. Like the copper roofs of my former hometown of Copenhagen that develop their verdigris patina with exposure to the elements, these objects are intended to transform and gain character through use and weathering.

Their “final” appearance is not predetermined but shaped by randomness — telling a story of their journey and interaction with their user.

The open design-object invites interaction and transformation. It may allow the user to alter, or complete it, adapt to changing needs or physical forms, or accommodate shared use within a community.

Flexibility is key, enabling these objects to evolve alongside their owners’ lifestyles and circumstances. This is particularly relevant in the context of a nomadic lifestyle, which demands minimalism and multifunctionality.

Nomadic living, traditionally associated with indigenous tribes, involved moving when resources became scarce, weather turned harsh, or the tribe faced threats.

Today, nomadism has taken on a new form: the digital nomad. Enabled by remote work and connected by shared values, digital nomads represent a modern tribe, unbound by permanent homes or workplaces. For the new nomads, owning a large number of belongings is neither practical nor sustainable. The objects they do own must perform in multiple ways.

Clothing is often a digital nomad’s most significant possession beyond a laptop. However, clothing presents unique challenges. Practical needs vary across climates and seasons, and wearers quickly tire of wearing the same styles repeatedly. Additionally, garments wear out, requiring frequent replacements.

One way to combat the unsustainability of perceived obsolescence — when an item feels outdated despite being functional — is to design garments for sharing or co-ownership.

Within a digital nomad tribe, shared ownership could create a sustainable flow of new looks, reducing waste and encouraging community engagement. This concept can extend beyond clothing to include practical items such as kitchenware, electronics, and even decorative objects, forming a portable “survival kit” of shared essentials.

For shared garments to work, they must be adaptable to different body shapes, durable, and aesthetically nourishing for a diverse group of users. Minimalistic or subtle designs can serve as starting points, allowing wearers to personalize the garments over time. Each user could leave their mark — through repairs, embroidery, or subtle alterations — turning the garment into a living canvas of shared creativity and history.

These marks could include names on an inner lining, personalized decorations, or functional modifications. The design must guide the personalization process, creating a framework that balances structure with freedom, allowing for random, organic contributions to flourish. Such garments become stories in themselves, chronicling the lives and creativity of their users.

The resilient, sharable design-object embodies a way of overcoming the cycle of perceived obsolescence. By celebrating usage, diversity, and inventiveness, these objects remain relevant and meaningful, offering users a sense of connection and significance. Shared ownership fosters camaraderie, while the wear and traces of use imbue each object with tactile nourishment and stories of belonging.

This approach transforms the act of shedding old belongings into a sustainable practice, enabling users to feel at home wherever they are, through the tangible evidence of their shared narratives. Open, adaptable design encourages us to rethink the way we own and use objects — creating not just tools for living, but vessels for storytelling and connection.

By rejecting static perfection in favor of dynamic evolution, open design offers a pathway to significance, sustainability, and shared creativity. It allows us to embrace flux and unpredictability as intrinsic to the objects we own and the lives we lead.