Umm and the matchbox: 'the object of desire and the desired object'

When Hans Christian Andersen wrote 'The Little Match Girl' [1] he was not writing a product endorsement. Far from it. But we have been left with a glowing example of a product that was affective. The experience may have been fleeting, but the euphoric pleasure experienced by the girl was real. As we explore the notion of pleasure in the designed object we must not forget how much pleasure is context-driven. As designers, we must understand that context is not always in our control; that our designs, like our children, will live their own lives. Pleasure is found when the moment is right, when events align.This happens despite our planning and skill, or our analysis and rigour. The message of this paper, wrapped in the style of an Andersen story, looks at the relationship between two objects. One is desired, enjoyed, treasured, and the other an ordinary matchbox. Unwrap at your pleasure.