Why Design? (originally written for my students, slightly adjusted for the web)
“User experience is… everything” — Don Norman.
Design is everywhere.
From the way we walk, to how we interact with each other, to the way information flows seamlessly into our lives — or, in some cases, doesn’t. Design touches every single part of our day, often invisibly shaping our experiences.
In Italian culture (but not only), design is often connected to aesthetics.
But here’s the thing: yes, beauty matters — it captivates and delights.
For me, though, design is about something deeper: making things better.
Since I was very little, I’ve been finding ways to improve things.
From plotting the best route home from school long before Google Maps, to organizing my room for maximum functionality, I was a problem creator (ask my mum), but also a very good problem solver.
That’s what design is for me: solving problems, improving the way things work, and creating meaningful change. Design isn’t just about what you see — it’s about what you feel, what you experience, and how things come together to truly work.
Sometimes, I hate doing what I do. I’ll be on holiday, enjoying my vacation, and suddenly it happens: something doesn’t flow as it should. It’s hard to take off the designer glasses, especially when you’re so focused on research.
But here’s where the real magic of design lies: its ability to fix what’s broken. Am I an experience superhero? No — but I believe even small improvements can create significant change.
The design process isn’t glamorous. Don’t trust beautifully crafted diagrams you find online — they’re lovely, but they lie. Design is messy (and often frustrating). It requires asking SO. MANY. QUESTIONS.
It requires being unafraid to sit with the discomfort of not knowing the answers right away, being comfortable in ambiguity (which is something I still struggle to nowadays). But, damn, it can be so deeply rewarding.
If you’re venturing into design, I can’t help but wonder: what brought you here? Maybe it’s creativity. Perhaps you’ve always loved to create — art, stories, or ideas — and you see design as a way to channel that creativity into something tangible, something that makes a difference. Or maybe, like me, you’re here because you’re frustrated. Ok, maybe it’s not the best way to introduce myself, but I feel I should come clean (the sooner the better).
I’m often frustrated with the way things are. Frustrated with systems that feel outdated or unfair. Frustrated with products and experiences that don’t meet the needs of the people they’re meant to serve. That frustration can be incredibly powerful — it’s often the spark that drives us to make things better. This is one of the main reasons I decided to graduate with a thesis in Gender Studies about female discrimination in the workplace and why, still nowadays, I’m a huge advocate for inclusivity.
Oh: maybe you’re here because design is, well, cool. It is, welcome onboard. Whatever your motivation, hold onto it. Knowing your “why” will help you stay grounded when things get tough.
Becoming a designer isn’t just about tools or methods. It’s a bumpy journey requiring patience, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. It’s about developing a mindset you’ll carry with you no matter where you go.
And one last tip: disambiguate. The words people use don’t always reflect the concepts they mean. Ask questions. Play dumb. Never assume.
Clarity is power.
Don’t worry though, there will also be moments of discovery — those “aha” moments when everything clicks, when you realize the impact design can have, not just on products and systems, but on people’s lives.
I encourage you to take your time. Let ideas simmer. Dive deep into the topics that spark your curiosity. And most importantly, stay open to learning — not just about design, but about yourself. Because self-awareness is one of the most powerful tools you can have as a designer. It’s what allows you to see things clearly, challenge your assumptions, and create with empathy.
For me, design is a tool for change. It’s how we take the world as it is and imagine what it could be. It’s how we respond to frustration with the status quo — not by complaining, but by creating. And it’s how we use creativity to bring ideas to life in ways that are meaningful, functional, and impactful.
So, welcome to the world of design. Whether you’re here out of curiosity, frustration, or something else entirely, I’m glad you’ve arrived. This journey will challenge you, inspire you, and transform you.
And who knows? It might just change the world a little bit along the way.
Daniele