Good design

Good design is meant to not only meet consumers’ expectations, but rather exceed them and anticipate innovation. There are various definitions of what good design should incorporate, such as “solidity, commodity and delight” (Hugh Dubberly) or “vision, consistency and patience” (adapted from William Drenttel). One might argue on the functionality, clarity, beauty and efficiency of the respective display. Nowadays, however, finding ourselves predominantly in the digital medium, good design tends to relate a lot to the designer’s perspective on efficiency and form.

I have often wondered about the general perception of design these days as pleasing to the eye. But design is more than that, it is meant to transform technology to better serve human purpose and enjoyment. Hence the greater role of design for effective communication, coupled with intellectual efficiency, great content and precision.

Take for example Paprika.com, a Canadian design think-tank, with their striking creativity and belief in change and uniqueness of what they create. Paprika manage to “spice” the impressive aspects of the message and make best use of the impact of the image. No wander their motto clearly defines their work:

“Good design will always be a good strategy”.

Berlin-based designer Anna Haerlin makes good design by drawing and illustrating the design herself. Often times she incorporates craft skills into her work and is constantly inspired by the world around her, the city, the people, shops, exhibitions. It seems from her perspective that good design needs a personal touch as well and does not always need to be considered strategic.

Good design does after all depend on the style, the message it communicates, as well as the context it is actually being created in. I leave you off with examples of good design by Paprika and Anna Haerlin, with a side quote to ponder on.

Good design is design that not only achieves a desired effect, but shapes our expectation of what the experience can be. Astrida Valigorsky,manager of New Media, Museum of Modern Art

"Freunde.Haerlin"

"Paprika"

"Paprika"