Are we on our high horse if we suggest design can change the world? Are we at a point where people can actually start believing in it? There was an incredible article written by Cameron Koczon on a List Apart a few weeks ago, and he brings up some brilliant points. It’s time for design to be held in higher regard. This isn’t a “hey look at us!” kind of ploy. This is a legitimate business strategy.
Design shouldn’t be an afterthought. Not these days. It’s not a matter of “we’ve got this thing, let’s make it pretty so it’ll ship.” It’s a matter of making the thing pretty – as in functional AND aesthetically pleasing so it WILL ship. The article goes on to talk about where design should stand in the business space. A must-read for all of us. My favourite quote? “It is difficult for design to flourish in organizations that don’t understand it.”
It happens. Even in agencies in our own backyard. Designers are employed to polish where we should be in there from the start, coming up with ideas, iterating, polishing, and then repeating the process. We should all feel proud of what we’re putting out there, not remorseful about pieces we don’t want touching our portfolio in case it spreads some vile disease.
It’s a matter of education. Educating clients on the value of good design. Educating everyone in our organization about the same. And continuously educating ourselves on what’s happening in our industry to help push our city and ourselves further.
Still here? Go read the article.