10 Principles for Better Design
It’s that time of year again when everyone makes resolutions they can’t keep, and every second designer or design publication cranks out a set of revamped classic design principles for us to aspire to all over again. And after reading the 10 New Principles for Good Design, I decided I had nothing to lose by jumping on the bandwagon by making ‘good’ design principles better.
I’m often asked what ‘good’ design looks like, but I never seem to have a ‘good’ answer. ‘Good’ is subjective, so I wonder if there is such a thing as a ‘good’ answer at all. If constant improvement never ends, design transcends ‘good’. When we ask what is ‘good’ design, do we actually mean what is better design?
It’s not a new question. Disillusioned by the world around him and well aware of his influence, Dieter Rams asked himself a similar back in the 70s, which resulted in his classic 10 Principles for Good Design. The principles still stand, but so does the question of what ‘good’ design is.
In the past, we relied on powerful people to decide for us what ‘good’ was. But the pendulum swung the other way as we were pushed to consume more and more. As our expectations grew, the internet exploded, giving the people a platform to voice their opinions.
Now, something can be ‘good’ one minute and a few tweets later, bad the next. Consider any design you can think of: you’d be lucky to find something that meets all 10 of Dieter’s principles. So does ‘good’ design even exist? And is trying to achieve ‘good’ futile when what we aspire to is better?
It seems like ‘good’ design is broken. To keep up with the relentless pace of change and increased complexity, maybe we need to take a leaf from Dieter’s approach and ask ourselves “can my design be better?”, changing the conversation from what ‘good’ design is, to what better design can be.
10 Principles for Better Design
Better design is for everyone. Good design might be innovative, but better design is inclusive. When 55% of the global population still don’t have access to the internet, and every design decision has the potential to include or exclude someone, designing for everyone isn’t only innovative — it’s essential.
Better design has purpose. Good design is useful, but better design has purpose. As expectations shift and climb, getting bang for buck means more than features and benefits. As experience becomes the key differentiator, better design goes beyond useful and embodies value, meaning and higher purpose.
Better design is lovable. Good design is beautiful, but better design is lovable. When we design something, we are starting a relationship with whoever uses it. As instigators, it’s in our best interest to make sure those relationships are loving, mutually respectful and healthy long term ones — not superficial, throwaway hookups.
Better design is obvious. Good design is easy to understand, but better design is so obvious it doesn’t need explaining. Better yet, better design makes you think, “Why the fuck didn’t I think of that?!”.
Better design is humble. Good design is unobtrusive, but better design requires humility. For far too long, the power of brazen persuasion and over inflated egos have been in the driver’s seat. As the overwhelming list of things vying for our attention grows, a more modest approach to what people really need is essential.
Better design is radical. Good design tries to be honest, but in a world where fake news, manipulative algorithms and curated lives have become the truth, how honest can good design really be? When the truth doesn’t hold any value, it’s time to do something radical. Better design provides the facts that can start a revolution.
Better design is sustainable. Good design is long-lasting, better design is sustainable. Anyone in architecture will tell you what they’ve known for years — more than just another buzzword, sustainability defies social good. Sustainability is grounded in pragmatism: sensible problem solving to suit conditions that really exist, not lofty morals.
Better design is critical. Good design might be thorough down to the last detail, but better design is built on continuous critique. Even using the utmost care and diligence, accuracy is only a moment in time. Continuous critique, reflection and openness to change are the driving force behind evolution.
Better design is conscious. Good design contributes to preserving the environment, but better design is aware of and responds to its impact on surrounding networks and ecosystems — natural, or synthetic.
Better design evolves. Dieter himself said ‘less, but better’. Good design is as little design as possible, but better design takes up the space, time and scale required to continuously evolve.
Forget about good, aim for better. And remember, design principles aren’t hard and fast rules — they are a guide to help you make better design decisions. Context should always inform your decision making, and using design principles to critique and question your work can ultimately lead to better outcomes.
10 Critique Questions for Better Design
- Can everyone use the design, and who is left out?
- What is the value, meaning and purpose?
- Does the design foster long or short term relationships?
- Is the design so obvious it makes you wish you thought of it?
- Is the design respectful of time, energy and resources?
- Does the design provide clear facts and provoke action?
- Does the design solve real problems?
- Have you asked these questions more than once?
- Is it designed with consciousness of impact?
- Have you taken the time and effort you really need?
Chirryl-Lee is a transdisciplinary design practitioner, mentor and leader. By merging different design disciplines to produce radical design approaches and innovative, human-centered outcomes, she helps invent and make things that can change the world. Her vision is that everyone can live better lives through design, and her mission is to arm as many people as possible with the skills, tools and confidence they need to dream big and shape the future. Learn more about better design at Chirryl-Lee’s Designing for Impact masterclass in Sydney on Saturday 3rd February at Academy Xi. Places are limited, get tickets here.
