Lab+4


 * __ Lab #4 - 'The Story of Stuff' __**

Annie Leonard defines the system of the “materials economy” in five stages. These five stages, extraction, production, distribution, consumption, and disposal, make up the “materials economy.” She describes the system, its stages and interactions with an interactive visual diagram.

Leonard explains each stage in chronological order, from the first stage to the last, outlining what occurs within each of them and the negative repercussions they have on humanity and the planet. Not only does she describe each stage, but she also describes the occurrence happening between certain stages. The “golden arrow” is one of them.

Leonard also uses examples that viewers can relate to, strengthening interactivity, and helping the viewer understand the context of the message. She is detailed with her descriptions and gets the user interested and wanting to know more.

__Extraction__ This is the first stage of the “materials economy.” The extraction stage involves collecting natural resources like wood, water, metals, etc. When it comes to extraction, most corporations choose to extract resources from developing countries instead of their own. As a result, poor living conditions in those countries intensify, damaging people’s homeland and the planet.

__Production__ This is the second stage. Once resources are collected, production begins. Production involves using natural resources to manufacture products that are to be sold. During production, toxic chemical additives are added. As a result, products are instilled with toxins that can harm consumers and the planet.

__Distribution__ This is the third stage. Once products have been manufactured, they are ready for distribution, the third stage in the “materials economy.” Distribution involves shipping products to stores and selling them to consumers. Leonard mentions that resources and workers have been so exploited, that stores are able to sell products at a low retail price. She mentions how the product’s retail price might be low, but it is that way because of the losses imposed on developing countries and workers.

__Consumption__ This stage is the most important. Here, consumers purchase goods from retails. Consumers are bombarded with commercials and media messages encouraging them to shop. Leonard mentions how clothing and shoe styles change every year, so others will know whether you have purchased something recently. If you haven’t, you are susceptible to humiliation from others, “forcing” people to consume.

__Disposal__ This is the fifth and final stage. At this stage consumers throw out their goods for one of two reasons: their products stopped working shortly after they purchased it, or they have succumbed to the pressures of society and advertisements and decided to buy a new “stylish” product replacing an older model. During the disposal stage, products are either burned, buried or both, with each option creating environmental harm.

Leonard’s Flash presentation effectively organizes each category in its interface design by placing them in chronological order and by using interactivity. The viewer is encouraged to click additional information about each stage, located directly above the Flash presentation. It allows users to jump to different chapters, and learn additional information on each of the “material economy’s” stages.

The presentation is also organized by stage. Leonard discusses each stage in chronological order and uses animation within each category. This is helpful because if the viewer happens to miss something that Leonard has said, they can simply watch the animation. Also, when a new stage is about to be discussed, the Flash animation shows each stage in a linear format, allowing the viewer to keep track of each stage’s successors and predecessors.