WHAT MAKES GOOD DESIGN?

Good design today leads to better design tomorrow.

The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

Bread is one of the oldest recorded foods, dating over 30,000 years back. But the bread was not sold sliced until less than a century ago- 1928. An invention that we take for granted every day, seeming so intuitive it goes unnoticed in our pantries. That right there is the definition of good design.

Design is fluid and constantly changing through both improvements of existing concepts and completely new innovations. Good design covers a broad spectrum of ideas, and the definition may vary from person to person depending on their specific circumstances and expectations. The most important element of good design is that it prioritizes function for as many groups of people as possible.

“Good design is actually a lot harder to notice than poor design, in part because good designs fit our needs so well that the design is invisible."  — Don Norman, The Design of Everyday Things

Aesthetic preferences have varied throughout societies and time periods. Devices modifying women’s body structures have been designed throughout history. Although the appearance of a crushed rib cage or bound feet has been desired in the past, those superficial qualities are no longer commonly sought after. This goes with many ideas that are designed simply based on aesthetics rather than helping make an aspect of the consumer’s life easier. Although aesthetics are incredibly important in design, they should not be the top priority and many designs have heavily improved people’s lives despite a lack of attractiveness. Good design considers and incorporates form, but prioritizes function.

Function First

Without function, objects are nearly useless. Although maximum function is not necessary for all design, it is imperative in good design. Good design increases convenience for the user and improves their quality of life. Although function cannot always consider people of all abilities, inclusivity wherever possible is important.

For those who are not fully abled, good design exists to improve their quality of life as well- spoons to counteract tremors, text-to-speech software that empowers the user through a distinct voice, and video game controllers that are accessible to a wider range of users are all perfect examples of good design. Inclusive designs have a long way to go but are becoming more and more recognized by society as a necessity.

Building The Future

Good design emphasizes function to improve the quality of life for as many people as possible. Ideas are constantly being renovated to improve their function and broaden the spectrum of people who can enjoy their increasing benefits. Living in a world with good design ensures that life looks different every year.

This year’s best idea will be seen as inconvenient 50 years from now because good design paves the way for better design.