kyle bean+jonathan knowles+lauren catten's device is an updated look at the rube goldberg machine

in an increasingly complicated world, where even seemingly simple activities involve a multitude of time-consuming interactions, london-based artist kyle bean in collaboration with photographer jonathan knowles and and art director lauren catten present an updated, contemporary look at the rube goldberg machine. famous for being the only man to have had his name transformed into an adjective, rube goldberg – complicating what is seemingly simple – originates from the man’s cartoon creations of complicated machines designed to complete simple tasks.

rube goldberg – tea

looking to capture the precarious nature of how an idea manifests into reality, bean, knowles and catten‘s project reflects concepts such as innovation, risk, teamwork and collaboration whilst also providing an underlying counter-commentary on the failure of these endeavours. creating a clean and crisp lighting aesthetic across the project allows for a clarity of detail befitting the complex rube goldberg machine. additionally, captured in a pastel palette with a modern treatment, the shoot focussed on a selection of machines made by set designer kyle bean, using different textures and props to bring intrigue and originality to the idea’s presentation.

rube goldberg – clean

rube goldberg – sandwich

rube goldberg – time

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynn chaya | designboom