Good Design is still about Doing Good Work

Design Leadership
Oct 20, 2009
Comments Anyone?









Joe Duffy’s “Demystifying Design: An Argument for Simplicity” is a great little piece that calls out Design like it should be. Here is my favorite bit:

What is design? It begins with ideas–ideas based in purpose. It requires a plan or a process. It yields innovation, invention or creation. It is successful if it elicits response–attention, desire, interaction or purchase.

Design is as much a process as it is an end product. The process should be simple.

After all my years in design, I remain wary of the branding and design consultancies that sell the strategic process before the work. The work should speak for itself. Did it deliver on its objectives? Did it break through in the market? Did people vote with interest, conversation, interaction or purchase? Was it beautiful? That’s what really matters.

…snip…

Honestly it’s simple. The best talent understands that. Rarely does the most extensive or unique “process” produce the simple insights necessary to do more than document a situation. The proof is in the pudding. Talented designers create it.

I had a recent discussion with a talented designer that had a few years of experience under his belt. He was full of passion and, as expected, impatient. He wanted more out of his design career and decided on a Masters in Design Strategy. The advice I gave him echoes this quote.

If you want to learn about Design Strategy, join a great company that is an advocate of Design and work your butt off! That’s because the best way to show the world the strength of your design strategies is through your work.

Check out the rest of Joe’s excellent post on Fast Company.





Add to Digg | Add to Stumble Upon | Add to Delicious | |

Did you enjoy this post? If so, why not subscribe to Design Sojourn via
RSS Feedor delivered to you via Email with our 110% NO-SPAM Policy! You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook as well.




Related Posts You Might Find Interesting:

  • How to be self critical with your Design Work?
  • There is a Difference between Good Presentation and Good Content
  • How to live happily with a great designer
  • What are your Principles of Good Design?
  • Are you Reading, Thinking or Doing?

  • Comments

    No comments yet.


    Commenting Rules: I love reading your comments as it allows me to interact and learn from you. Being critical is fine, giving constructive criticism, even better. However if you are rude, I will delete your comment. Repeat, and I will blacklist you. The world is full of negativity, so I don't need anymore on my blog, which I consider my online home. Would you encourage Neanderthal behavior in your home? Neither would I.

    Finally, please use your personal name or initials and not your business name. By doing the latter, it comes off like spam, and that’s an auto delete. Thank you and I hope you enjoy being part of the conversation!



    Reader's Favourites

      5 Secrets of Strategic Designers
      30 Essential Books for Industrial Designers
      Principles of Good Design
      25 Bad Habits of Industrial Designers
      How to be a Design Superstar!
      Essential Websites for Industrial Designers