Muji has always taken a minimalist approach to its designs, asking such questions as: “Is this necessary?” or “Is this going to far?”

“Product Fitness 80”, currently held at ION Art Gallery in Singapore, extends this line of thought further with a presentation of products by craftsmen that use less. All the items are an exercise in self-restraint, and work harder to do more with their materials.

While some of these products are already available in selected Muji stores, others are still in the developmental stages.

Here’s what we like…

Cotton Bud Fitness 80
Do cotton buds really have to be that long? Muji asks questions about even the most trivial matters.

Tape Fitness 80
A narrower tape can probably achieve the same results.

Ring-Bound Fitness 80
Less material, same functionality.

Socks made of leftover thread
Even discarded threads can be combined together to create something beautiful.

Top image: Ultra Thin Lotion Bottle – like the face lotion, which is 90% water, the ultra thin container uses the least possible materials.

“Product Fitness 80” is on from now till 19 August 2012 in Singapore at the ION Art Gallery, L4, ION Orchard.