In our so-called First World, we encounter luxury problems: goods that cover basic human needs are in abundance, chances and opportunities appear endless, and machines improve our human existence, making it more comfortable than ever before. Nowadays, problems are generated that are not problems compared to other regions of the world. On the internet, these problems are summarised under the heading „First World Problems“. „I saw a friend on the bus, now I can't listen to music anymore“, „I'm too drunk for the party to be fun anymore“, „My dental work is hurting because I ate too much“, „I can't work outside because my screen is reflecting the sun“, these are First World Problems.

Our project „First World Aid“ is a sticker magazine, self-published via risograph, to create a quick and affordable way to help. It visualises the small challenges of our everyday lives and categorises them. The sticker magazine explains what problems are, using philosophical themes, and uncovers their true causes; it explains why people must use their own minds, as Immanuel Kant demanded in the 18th century. By highlighting this fact, we have found solutions for today's abstract difficulties. The stickers show a humorous visualisation of the problem and a way to solve it. The entire project is an appeal to engage with philosophical topics in order to solve a problem faster in the future. Because every person in the First World must dedicate their time to the big global challenges of our world, and not to their own daily grind!

Concept, text, typesetting, layout and illustration © 2014 Thomas Bögle, Andreas Drodsz, Simon Gogolin

Care Prof. Gertrud Nolte at the Würzburg-Schweinfurt University of Applied Sciences

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