The Misused
An open-source platform for repurposing daily hardware into helpful homeware
Founded in 2018, The Misused is made by industrial designers who share the passion for studying hardware in everyday scenarios. The project has been dedicated to inspiring people around the world to re-imagine daily hardware in alternative contexts. There are two main aims of the project. Firstly, to advocate the understanding of everyday objects, as well as creative thinking in education. By holding workshops, talks, and exhibitions all over the world, the team demonstrates how creativity can turn ubiquitous hardware into valued items. Secondly, to establish an online archive and to publish a Misused Guide that shares the ideas with everyone. So far, there are three collections in the project. Following the first study of Taiwanese hardware in 2018, the project went on to study Dutch hardware in 2019. British hardware is the focus of 2020. During the pandemic, a special lockdown DIY edition was launched to encourage people to up-cycle the hardware they have at home.