Design is...

Design is all around us.
From the posters on our walls, the shoes that we wear, and even the cars we drive: Everything is designed.

I think as a society we have become so accustomed to design that a lot of the time we don't even notice that it is around us. I also think we take design for granted; A lot of people purchase products and without a second thought. They tear through the carefully designed packaging- only throw it in the bin. Rarely, if not ever, do they experience or examine the absolutely brilliant piece of work that had been so carefully and painstakingly put together for their enjoyment.

The unique and interesting design of the Apple's iPods have contributed to their success. Almost everyone knows how and iPod looks, and that's exactly why they have become an accessory in today's society.
And that's why it separates them from the other brands of Mp3 players.
It's the design.

I chose to become a designer because I have always had a passion for creating and designing. The reward for me is the sense of satisfaction I get after creating a piece I am truly proud of.
I turn into a child on Christmas morning when I am given a project.
I love planning a layout.
I love scribbling down as many ideas as I can.
I love choosing typefaces and then making them to work the way I want them to.
I love designing grids.
This is so exciting to me; I love it all.

Design is also important because it makes the world interesting.
Innovative and interesting/unique design makes things stand out. It keeps the world interesting by breaking away from the mundane and everyday.
Design also can be used to solve a problem or to make a task easier.

Recently I came across these "Beetle tip" pens. These pens are designed so that they circle words in one motion and also to work as a traditional highlighter.
Simple design, simple concept. Not life changing, but it's nonetheless unique and interesting.

Design is generated by creating a balance by using elements such as grids, colours, graphics, and typography in a way that the piece is visually appealing as well as being informative to the audience. If the message is clear and the visuals are appropriate and interesting- If the piece makes the viewer think- Then, and only then, is the piece successful.

When I design, I tend to become obsessive.
I feel motivated to create a good piece of design and try not to over complicate things. However, sometimes I find myself stepping away for a bit so I can regroup and remember the basic principals of KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid!).

When I experience good design, I generally make some attempt to capture it.
Good design motivates me to work harder myself. I learn from it. I see from it things that I may not have thought of myself. Not something to copy, but something new and altogether my own.
When I experience good design online, I screencap or save it.
If I find it in a book or magazine, I buy it.
If I see it on the street, I take a picture of it.

But this often makes me question what "good" design is. Can I classify something as "good" design simply because it appeals to me? Of course not! "Good" design is such a broad term.

Remember, gentle reader, design is universal.

//revised again at 10:35pm / JANUARY 15, 2008