Technology Gives Voice to Design
Artificial Intelligence, Music Streaming, Social Media, and Crowdfunding for the Relaunch of an Iconic Product, Though in Difficulty Due to Counterfeiting
The Innovation That Blends Technology and Design
Human creativity and advanced technology harmoniously merge in an innovative communication project that celebrates and revives one of the most beloved icons of Italian design from the past twenty years: the Voodoo knife set (known in the United States as The Ex). Already exhibited in important contemporary art museums and proudly showcased by many Hollywood stars, this iconic product, after years of international legal battles, has now reached a critical turning point in its existence, where public support becomes crucial.
To capture people’s attention at this pivotal moment, the product’s name has become the title of two albums distributed on Spotify and all major music streaming platforms. Soon, the albums will also be available on vinyl, in a limited edition designed for collectors. The tracks are already present in the music libraries of various social media platforms, accompanied by dedicated GIFs and stickers to enhance user content and encourage active sharing of the crowdfunding campaign, the driving force behind the entire product relaunch initiative.
The Role of Generative Artificial Intelligence
The musical aspect comprises 40 songs, each of which is a reinterpretation of the same text in a completely different style. The album “Il set di coltelli Voodoo (Per tutti i gusti)” contains 25 tracks in Italian, created with the support of various generative Artificial Intelligence tools, which made possible a musical journey like no other. The album “The Voodoo Knife Set (For All Tastes)”, with 15 tracks in English, extends this unique sonic experience to an international audience.
Raffaele Iannello, the designer of the product and creator of the tracks, emphasizes: “I am not a musician, nor do I aspire to be one. In this case, technology simply allowed me to realize a somewhat crazy idea that, using traditional methods, would have remained unfeasible without a huge budget”. He adds: “Today, there are many apps that can create entire songs from scratch in a few seconds, starting from minimal input. But my approach is different; it stands out for its attention to detail, long experimentation, and deep integration between my artistic vision and the capabilities of the various AIs I engaged with. Each musical track on these two albums is not just the product of an algorithm but a creative reflection on how industrial design can be celebrated and communicated through a unique soundtrack, specifically created to convey and enhance an idea”.
Crowdfunding as a Relaunch Opportunity
The heart of the entire project is the crowdfunding campaign Save The Original, which will determine the future of this iconic product. The fight against counterfeiting in courts around the world (always won!) has caused its creator some financial difficulties, as prestigious newspapers and magazines have reported over the years. Crowdfunding could ensure the continuation of production and preserve the legacy of a design piece loved worldwide since its first appearance in 2003. If the goal is not achieved, this symbol of creativity and Italian heritage risks disappearing forever.
So, now more than ever, it is time to act! Those who have loved the Voodoo (or The Ex) knife set can show their support by backing the campaign, which will launch on September 10, 2024, on Kickstarter and will end on September 29, the day of the designer’s 50th birthday. Contributing from the start is crucial to the operation’s success. Supporters will not only secure a great dose of good karma but will also gain access to exclusive discounts and the chance to obtain unique autographed pieces.
This could truly be the last opportunity to acquire a piece of design history and honor the incredible dedication of those who have fully believed in this product, investing precious years of their lives and significant resources to keep it alive and accessible to all its fans. Supporting the project also means supporting the talent, creativity, and perseverance of its creator, proving that these virtues can, in the end, prevail against the illegality of counterfeiters and the unfair practices of certain multinational online retailers.
Thank you very much for your support! ❤️