Good Design

What makes good design?

Each individual interprets design differently and any design, no matter how good (or bad) can be seen either way as it all boils down to personal preference, aesthetic prefer ability and taste. “Good” design, however, should include several factors:

Form and function: Every design has to have a balance regarding form and function. Forms need to relate to each other and make sense as a whole as well as benefit and compliment the objects function, for example, a jeweller can manufacture a very complicated ring with a rare abstract form, not often seen but this ring has to be comfortable, lightweight and wearable.

Aesthetics: Good design has to have some sense of aesthetic attraction. It should intrigue the viewer and attract attention with its beauty and interesting quality. Colours, materials and production methods all need to be taken into consideration in order to have an aesthetically pleasing end result.

“The aesthetic quality of a product is integral to its usefulness because products we use every day affect our person and our well-being.” Dieter Rams

Honesty: Good design is honest. This is a very simple factor, as it does not make the product/ design any more innovative, valuable or powerful than it really is. And does not attempt to manipulate the consumer/ owner with promises that cannot be kept.

Functionality: All design, whether product design, jewellery, architecture or fashion should be functional. Without this quality, how can we call it design? How easily it can be worked with and related to, is it easy to use? And can it be worn in a comfortable fashion?

Less is more: Good design is simple. Concentrating on the essential aspects and not ‘cluttering’ allows for clean cut and effective products. This way we are not distracted and overwhelmed.

There exists a fine line between good and bad design, and often people misunderstand the few fundamental steps needed to take in order to arrive at ‘good’ design. Nowadays design is often abused in a sense, as people do not apply these few fundamental factors, which results in clutter and nonsensical products. Understanding these factors, applying them and getting to know them inside and out will result in successful design, and a happy world!