Dogu (tool or implement)

In Chinese&sbquo it is said that this word originated from instruments used in Buddhism&sbquo or altar articles. Dogu is a medium utilized as a physical means when a human being attempts to realize a specific purpose&sbquo and reflects the intent of the person. The sense of the English word tool is closer to "carpentry tool." As a more appropriate expression&sbquo implement fits the Japanese meaning for dogu . Humankind is characterized not only the use of dogu but also by their very creation. By standing on hind limbs and using the forelimbs as hands&sbquo humankind has become able to make and use dogu. Since dogu certainly expands and reinforces human capacity&sbquo they can be considered as an extension of human appendages. The forms of dogu have been determined by their usage or functions exclusively. Owing to the development of the brain&sbquo various human abilities have expanded&sbquo and along with this progress&sbquo dogu have gradually evolved into machines. The materials for dogu have also expanded from natural objects to those made by applying chemical technology. In design&sbquo dogu can be perceived from two viewpoints. One is dogu as design tools. The other is design of dogu themselves as a subject of design. Today&sbquo distinctions between dogu&sbquo machines and instruments have become vague. Home electric appliances are household dogu&sbquo and it is taken for granted to consider even computers as daily dogu. In the relationship between mankind and dogu&sbquo therefore&sbquo other than the presence&sbquo functionality&sbquo constructive property&sbquo and symbolic nature of dogu&sbquo design based on a new view of dogu is required. These see dogu as subjects of universal design&sbquo interaction design and ecology design.

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