Importance of innovation, designers & fundamental design principles

As designers and problem-solvers, we are accountable for the ever-increasing importance of design and innovation — and for the role it plays in today’s life and society. We think. We always tinker. And we’re often developing new concepts. It’s our responsibility to make each design solution user-friendly, aesthetically appealing, and, first and foremost, the best it can be. And when doing so, we’re often guided by numerous design principles, techniques, and methodologies.

When we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s currently possible, we do not just analyze, synthesize, and ideate. We also constantly exercise design thinking methods. We integrate feedback. And we enthusiastically deploy a human-centered approach in our processes. We always apply design principles. Also, we iterate. And yet still, we skillfully strategize producing the most effective design solution.

Additionally, we perpetually learn new tools. We often discuss the latest design framework, technique, or system. Then we test them. We run on the excitement from being able to continuously feed our curiosity. And therefore, we are continually elevating our expertise further. And yes, it’s fun. We love our jobs.

Now, the question is — why would anyone want to have such a demanding job, constantly adapt to rapidly changing environments, and work towards somewhat unpredictable outcomes?

Well, all of us are witnessing how much power truly brilliant design can have — how design has now become the new language of business. We’ve seen how it can disrupt entire industries, advance seemingly impossible visions into a new reality, and forever transform our everyday experience. And isn’t that pretty exciting? That’s what attracts so much talent to it.

 

“We’ve seen how design can disrupt entire industries, advance seemingly impossible visions into a new reality, and forever transform our everyday experience.”

 

Once anyone experiences the transformative power of design, they want to become an embodiment of it. Or, at least, play a vital part in it. Designers already know how rewarding it is to know that they’re bettering people’s lives in some shape or form. That’s so worthwhile.

 

“Once we experience the transformative power of design, we want to become an embodiment of it.”

 

And isn’t that a good enough reason to devote ourselves to it all? Don’t you think? Perhaps it’s our innate urge to problem-solve. Or a passion for uncovering new opportunities within not-so-explored scenarios. Maybe we desire to build more streamlined products. One thing is for sure: innovative design has the potential to fulfill all forward-thinking, hard-working, and ambitious humans. They represent what defines progress — and industry that fuels the ever-increasing importance of design and innovation.

Inevitably, being in this industry will motivate us to study every approach, course, and discipline associated with design and innovation. It will stimulate our multipotentiality. We’ll grow professionally. And too, we’ll discover the pure joy of having a career that validates our inner genius. 

Then, the thrill of collaboratively building more dynamic, inclusive, and impactful products that bring value to millions of people — will forever inspire our every future endeavor.

That said, we should too all be reminded of what got us here in the first place: the fundamental design principles, such as those by legend Dieter Rams. They’ve helped us change the world, one design at a time. Now, one thing will always remain certain: designers will always love a good challenge. And we all thrive because of it.

 

 

Fundamental Design Principles

 

1. Good design is innovative

The possibilities for innovation are not, by any means, exhausted. Technological development is always offering new opportunities for innovative design. But innovative design always develops in tandem with innovative technology, and can never be an end in itself.

 

2. Good design makes a product useful

A product is bought to be used. It has to satisfy certain criteria, not only functional, but also psychological and aesthetic. Good design emphasizes the usefulness of a product while disregarding anything that could possibly detract from it.

 

3. Good design is aesthetic

The aesthetic quality of a product is integral to its usefulness because the products we use every day affect our person and our well-being. But only well-executed objects can be beautiful.

 

4. Good design makes a product understandable

It clarifies the product’s structure. Better still, it can make the product talk. At best, it is self-explanatory.

 

5. Good design is unobtrusive

Products fulfilling a purpose are like tools. They are neither decorative objects nor works of art. Their design should therefore be both neutral and restrained to leave room for the user’s self-expression.

 

6. Good design is honest

It does not make a product more innovative, powerful or valuable than it really is. It does not attempt to manipulate the consumer with promises that cannot be kept.

 

7. Good design is long-lasting

It avoids being fashionable and, therefore, never appears antiquated. Unlike fashionable design, it lasts many years – even in today’s throwaway society.

 

8. Good design is thorough down to the last detail

Nothing must be arbitrary or left to chance. Care and accuracy in the design process show respect towards the user.

 

9. Good design is environmentally-friendly

Design makes an important contribution to the preservation of the environment. It conserves resources and minimizes physical and visual pollution throughout the lifecycle of the product.

 

10. Good design is as little design as possible

Less, but better – because it concentrates on the essential aspects, and the products are not burdened with non-essentials. Back to purity, back to simplicity.

 

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