For my project, I chose to work with a two-way handheld radio. This device is used to communicate with another person using another handheld radio. The rectangular body of it is made out of plastic, with small rubber buttons. It also has a long stiff rubber antenna that sticks straight out the top.
I think my object represents communication. The need to talk to other people and the hope everyone has to receive a voice back. It symbolizes human connection and how other people can hear what you are saying even though you aren’t nearby. It denotes the necessity to speak and to tell others what is going on in your head.
The radio carries a sort of professional sense wherever it goes, almost making the user feel as if they are relaying an important message to a friend or a secret code to a spy. It makes the user feel powerful and also important in a way. It also carries a hint of amazement to it, as it is so enthralling to hear someone’s voice when they are in another room or even another building.
I want to explore the idea of human communication and connection through devices like this object. To possibly make a statement about the importance of talking to others and the consequences of either isolation or being forgotten about by the person on the other side of the radio.
