Physical things can connect us across time, space, and culture. We navigate through a material world through their preservation and use.

The importance of “object” seems obvious, especially in conversations surrounding data visualization. It allows us visual access to data in easily digestible visuals. The main goal of data visualization is to communicate information clearly and effectively through graphical means. To convey ideas effectively, both aesthetic form and functionality need to go hand-in-hand, providing insight into a rather sparse and complex data set by communicating its key-aspects in a more intuitive, tangible way.

The physical object is often defined as an object with spatial location. The Spatial Location Account says that there are objects from all of the different ontological categories (physical and non-physical) all have this much in common: they exist in time, but not all of them exist in space. The ones that exist in time and space, i.e., the ones that have spatial locations, are the ones that count as physical objects.

Studies show that even arbitrary, nonessential objects can become powerful cues for memory. Which goes to show it’s not just priceless family jewels or heirlooms that make for memory cues; they can be anything imbued with meaning.

Material culture refers to the physical objects, resources, and spaces that people use to define their culture.

These include homes, neighborhoods, cities, schools, churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, offices, factories and plants, tools, means of production, goods and products, stores, and so forth. All of these physical aspects of a culture help to define its members’ behaviors and perceptions. For example, technology is a vital aspect of material culture in today’s United States. American students must learn to use computers to survive in college and business, in contrast to young adults in the Yanomamo society in the Amazon who must learn to build weapons and hunt.

Physical object in digital art.

Vintage Repurposed Objects

http://www.core77.com/posts/25585/technologically-repurposed-vintage-objects-25585