A very simple and obvious rule is that the consumer must know and acknowledge the design for it to be a good design, but as obvious as that statement is; there is still design out there that does not fall under that criteria. When designing a product, we as industrial designers must take into consideration the good and the bad extremities (as shown in the video, a case of arthritis). In doing so we can create designs that accommodate for a larger target market. Another issue (as I have learnt from Annie Leonard's Story of Stuff) is perceived obsolescence which involves trends in the market. Good design is design that does not age and becomes a priceless piece in the eyes of the consumer. A design that is kept due to sentimental or emotional value is a good design.
One of the most important things any designer must take into consideration is materials. Without materials, there will be no design. There are many things that can be said about materials. One of the most important is the environmental impact of materials from sourcing to disposal. What is the purpose of designing a product if it does more harm to the environment and it's surroundings than good? The issue of environment and recycling with materials part of design has been apparent for as long as design has been around.
The video has done a lot to convince me this profession is what I want. From the topics of objects and their communication ability to materials. It was a nice and refreshing video on design that all designers must go back to during their career to remind them to keep on track with good design. I know I will.
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