Murray Moss
Far-Out Function
Moss noted a fascination with "functional overkill" -- objects whose capabilities are rarely, if ever, needed. "The Fisher space pen was designed for NASA specifically so it can be used in a gravity-free zone. It's our biggest-selling item," he says. "We sell thousands every year."
But Moss noted a counter-trend -- the tendency of some designers to eliminate function entirely. To illustrate this he showed the Internal Rolex watch -- a timepiece inside a gold band. "A Rolex isn't really about telling time," he says. "It's about prestige."