

“see through the difference”
Miguel Rios Design’s contribution for the social action project EFEITO D, available to the public since December 2010.
In this challenge to the user we propose to turn a two-dimensional object into a solid. One of the parts of this acrylic puzzle is deliberately transparent, so that once it has been transformed the interior can be seen. An object where in its way from bi to tridimensional configuration, inside and out are blended to the user’s eye and touch.
Parts in opal acrylic and in crystal acrylic. Maximum size of the assembled puzzle: 100x100x100 mm.
“efeito D is a new brand of design articles. In addition to being new, this brand is different from anything else we know. Created from various visions of a core concept, inspired by people who are different – people with Down’s syndrome.
Down’s syndrome – or Trisomy 21 – is a genetic disturbance caused by the total or partial presence of an extra chromosome 21 in the human genetic code. Just as this slight genetic alteration creates people who are different from others, a small alteration in the code of the word “defect”, delivers a new, positive and inspiring materialisation. Defect thus becomes efeito D (D-effect).
Assuming design as a tool capable of reproducing this distinction, efeito D challenges Portuguese and foreign designers to design objects that incorporate in their genetic code a difference which renders them unique, original and desirable for consumers.
efeito D - the result of creativity applied to Social Action - is a project criated by Pedro Bidarra, developed by BBDO Portugal, financed by Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, co-produced on a pro-bono basis with Experimenta Design and that counts with VdA pro-bono legal advice.
The objective underlying this new brand - in addition to providing extra visibility for this cause - is to create a new source of income that can finance the activities of Diferenças - a children’s development centre that helps and supports children with cognitive and development problems.
As a result, all revenues generated from commercialisation of these articles will fully revert to the Diferenças Development Centre.”
in http://efeitod.sapo.pt/designers02.html