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Good design. Very subjective topic even when following rules of “good” design…maybe almost too general a topic. But it’s important to examine “what is good design” and discuss some basics of design itself. By “design,” we mean elements that are brought together and constructed for a very real and specific purpose. Design affects us all daily in every interaction we have with something, even when we’re not conscious of a “design” form. From vacuum cleaners to Velcro, we consider here points that constitute good design.
Do it, and do it well.
The point of anything ‘designed’ is to serve purpose or fill a need. Well-crafted designs accomplish this goal easily. Good design bridges the end with the means with innovation and a realization of the best way to do its intended task. Take for example, the first ipod. After the fanfare died and the dust settled, we had a product that lived up to its promise, and then some. It did one thing unbelievably well — it played mp3s (not to mention was one of the first portable hard drives). But better than that, it enhanced its purpose with a couple of other critical features — an intuitive and innovative interface that was a breeze to learn and fun to use, and it utilized Firewire technology as opposed to USB which allowed faster download speeds. Good design by innovation, intuitiveness and efficiency.
Look good doing it.
Let’s face it, good design looks good. We appreciate the aesthetic. It appeals to the artist in all of us. Form and function are the Batman and Robin of good design. The ipod again is a great example. Scrolling wheel? Genius! All-white? Alluring! Curved surfaces and a backlit display? Sexy! The entire package is an exercise in ground-breaking and clever design. But what about something so commonplace and mundane as to take it for granted and even overlook it. A paper clip? Is that good design? It’s certainly easy to use. It does its intended task extremely well. It’s efficient. And hey, look at a paper clip. Nothing but curves within curves…its’ very good design indeed!
Designing for the web
This all had to relate somehow, right? What is good web design? All of the above rolled into one – good web design must absolutely meet the above criteria. A good website will illicit that ‘wow’ factor (form) and be easy-to-use (function). Moreover, a well-designed website will have attention to detail, masterfully laid out, innovative in its presentation, and if successful in its implementation, will inspire the user to perform its appointed task — be it inform, react, sell, whatever.
Design for the common man
There’s an interesting trend that’s happening for a while – society’s increased desire for well-designed, sleek, sexy, useful products. This increases the importance of good design in our daily lives. Not to say we didn’t have it before, but in the age of better, faster, smaller (and shinier) and technology’s easy access to everyone, we’ve all become a little more aware, and dare we say, artful. Product design was an afterthought in board room meetings ten years ago, but now take a look at Target stores. When we needed a trash can, we just simply needed a trash can. It didn’t have to be cool. We never even looked for “cool.” But now, anyone can buy a cool, well-designed trash can. Now if someone could just make one that would take itself out when full, that would be truly excellent design.
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