What is good design?

Good design is not only something that works aesthetically, it has to fulfil its purpose and, if possible, innovate.

 

Inspired by the master  Dieter Rams, we have come up with a list of the most important parts of making just that: good design.

 

Whether designing or redesigning a product or service, the best way to do so is with innovation and creativity.

An innovative design always develops in tandem with innovative technology.

 

A functional design solves problems and can be used to explain the purpose of the product, which must be (directly or indirectly) usable for the end user and customer’s requirements.  

 

You have to satisfy certain criteria, no just functional, but also psychological and aesthetic. A good design emphasizes the product’s usefulness, leaving out aspects that could be detrimental.

 

A product with good aesthetic design has the inherent power to fascinate the user and immediately appeal to the user’s senses. Only well executed objects can be beautiful. The aesthetic quality of a product is an integral part of its usability, given that products used daily have a direct effect on their user’s wellbeing. 

 

 

Intuitive design makes function self-explanatory, without the need for a user manual or outside help, by taking into account intuition and experience.

 

Knowing that a product is designed to sell, good design should therefore be competitive and outstanding in its market. 

 

An honest design only communicates the functions and values that the product or service actually possess. It does not intend to manipulate its users.

 

In a society of overconsumption, a good design should be sustainable and durable. Waste and excess are not part of good design.

Like the great jazz musician said, “that which is never in style, never goes out of style.” You should know and follow fashions, but never be prisoner to them.

 

Dieter Rams made the distinction between the phrase “Less is more” and his better recommended "Less, but better”, highlighting the approach of focusing on what is essential, and not what is accessory.