Designing w/Limitations

It’s impossible! It can’t be done! It’s too expensive!

Designing consumer products is a mental battle. It’s trying to find the best solution within set restraints and being able to set aside personal preferences to make something for someone else. Thick skin is a must as critical feedback is sometimes difficult to stomach.

Many times in a designer’s career they’ll have this beautiful creation. They feel every type of feeling of being proud, anxious, and full of emotions of this idea one day coming to fruition, and being purchased by the masses. Everything is gravy until the sit down with a pattern maker or engineer. Part by part the design is dissected and reasons are given as to why it can’t be done. Now it’s back to the drawing board with a dismantled ego and design.

I want to say, “Never design thinking there are constraints”. I would love to say this because thinking with handcuffs obviously has effects on creativity. Unfortunately, there will always be constraints and limitations. Knowing how to work within those parameters and delivering the best possible results is what separates an experienced designer and those who have yet been there. Over time, what’s possible will be pushed and the more seasoned a designer becomes, the closer they can walk that fine line.

Thanks again for reading. I will post some examples including my own discussing this in future post. Cheers until next time.

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