Although the profession has been around since the beginning of industrial society in the mid-19th century, awareness of the work of industrial and product designers has been slow to develop, especially in Germany. A few big names, mostly male designers, who often stand out due to their extravagant design, are in people's minds. However, little light is shed on what can be achieved with targeted design and what makes it special. Many people are unaware of how intensive the design process can be and how extensive the research for a single product can be.
In short:
DESIGN is the CREATION of a PRODUCT in FORM, FUNCTION and USE.
The prerequisite for good design should be longevity in terms of the choice of material and shape. First and foremost, this means creating a look that is not based on short-lived trends but remains attractive for a long time. However, this does not mean that you have to chase after old approaches and standards. This approach can be broken up by an innovative choice of materials, for example. It is important to find a good compromise between recognition value and functionality.
Inseparably linked to these factors is the will to meet the requirements and wishes of the user. Good design takes time, including sufficient ergonomic testing, research and evaluation. The more factors designers include in their design process, the better the result will be for the intended target group. They should focus on the most important parameters in order not to lose sight of the requirements for the product or service and to be able to strengthen and expand these during the process. In most cases, this initial list of questions will automatically lead to further fields that should be considered.
SKILLS THAT DESIGNERS SHOULD HAVE
Empathy
"Outside-the-box" thinking
Technical curiosity
Hands-on mentality
Solution-oriented thinking
Communication skills for customers & own ideas
Patience with yourself and others
Enthusiasm
Due to the fast pace of our consumer society, we have forgotten to give things time and have become accustomed to everything being available immediately and in large quantities. Many shy away from the prices of high-quality design products because the potential customer does not know how much work goes into them and is therefore unable to comprehend this. It is also the designers' task to make this process more visible. This creates a transparent basis for negotiating the sale of their products.
DESIGN PARAMETERS CAN BE
Form
Function
Color
Material
Handling
Ergonomics
Inclusiveness
Transportation
SO WHAT CAN DESIGN ACHIEVE?
Design can and should solve problems, further develop existing solutions or even replace them with better alternatives. It can connect different areas, bring people together and explain things. It can ensure that people are either enthusiastic about a product or consider it to be ill-conceived. Design is omnipresent and constantly changing - that's what makes this field so exciting.
Are you looking for a product designer who can respond optimally to the above-mentioned requirements for products or print media and has a young and individual approach?
Contact me by e-mail at hello@studiosarahmueller.com and
I will get back to you within 24 hours.
This text reflects the opinion of the author and does not claim to be universally valid.
If you have any questions, please contact hello@studiosarahmueller.com or use the form on my website www.studiosarahmueller.com under the menu item contact.
I look forward to receiving your message!
