Good Design is…

This is my take on what makes good design, my ‘principles’ change and develop over time so I thought I would share where they are now.

Useful

Good design is useful to your users, it makes tasks achievable or easier to complete. Keep these tasks and achievements of the people using your product in mind at every stage of design and development (and don’t base decisions on your assumptions either).

Simple

Simplicity is key to good design (on and off the web), no one ever thinks “I wish this was more complicated”. Bare in mind users just want to complete a task, don’t make it hard for them.

Data Driven

Designers aren’t all knowing god-like creators, data is key to making good decisions in design. Forget your assumptions and best practices that you read on that article, use real data from your users and business to aid your design choices.

Tested

Your design knowledge and experience will only give you multiple directions and solutions to various design challenges. Make sure you test your work in what ever way possible be it with colleagues using a prototype or a/b testing changes (if you have enough users) to make sure you have chosen the right solution in its context.

Forgiving

Mistakes happen, things go wrong and sometimes people need some extra guidance or clearer instructions. Make sure your design is forgiving and helpful when things go wrong.

Iterative

Good design is never complete, it’s ever evolving. Don’t let good design die — test, iterate and improve.

Made with care.

Love and care make the best products. Care about the needs of your users and love the product you are designing.

It’s the perfect recipe for good design.