The MacGuffin

Many film thrillers employ the Hitchcock device of a MacGuffin. That’s to say some plot element which provides an excuse for the narrative to take place and propels the action forward. Think of ‘The Maltese Falcon’ or ‘North by Northwest’.

The important thing about a MacGuffin is that it doesn’t necessarily need to be that important – or even real. What it does is provide a context for exploring more important things like values and relationships.

Sometimes design plays the same role – it creates a safe place to challenge issues, an excuse to challenge deeply held precepts. Indeed, the most significant impact of design can be its role as a plot device to explore and realise new narratives. The best outcome is not always a building.