The 10 Essential Elements of Design<\/p>\n
by Tom Wujec, Bill O\u2019Connor <\/p>\n
April 29, 2011<\/p>\n
No simple checklist could ever fully define what we mean by good design, but when we look at examples of it, we see that some essential elements tend to show up consistently.<\/p>\n
As we described in the introduction to this month\u2019s package on design, by exploring these elements individually\u2014and by thinking about design as not just a noun (the design) but also a verb (to design)\u2014we can approach the abstract question of \u201cWhat is design?\u201d in a productive way. Drawing on what design is actually like in the real world helps us talk about what it could, and should, become.<\/p>\n
Here are 10 essential elements or aspects of good design that transcend context, industry, and geography.<\/p>\n
Tools<\/p>\n
Technologies, from the humble pencil to the most advanced software, amplify human imagination and intelligence, allowing us to imagine and create things.<\/p>\n
Experience<\/p>\n
Design is not just about the object created, but also about the way that creation makes us feel, think, or learn. It\u2019s about the human response to the things we make for the world.<\/p>\n
Systems<\/p>\n
New systems and approaches to design\u2014such as sustainable design, design computation, integrative design, biomimicry, and crowdsourcing\u2014are being developed to help us address complex global challenges.<\/p>\n
Emotional Appeal<\/p>\n
Today we are increasingly designing for the right brain by focusing on the emotional aspects of design and by asking \u201cHow will it make people feel?\u201d in addition to \u201cHow will it look?\u201d and \u201cHow will it work?\u201d<\/p>\n
Sustainability<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not good design if it\u2019s bad for the planet\u201d is the mantra of the sustainable-design movement, which encourages designers to consider the impact their creations will have on the environment and people.<\/p>\n
Growth<\/p>\n
Great design (along with its close cousin, real innovation) has turned into a powerful competitive advantage for companies that have learned how to do it consistently.<\/p>\n
Function<\/p>\n
Design is sometimes thought to be about form, style, and how things look, but it\u2019s also very much about function, or what something does. With new technologies making it possible to develop new functions, this is now more true than ever.<\/p>\n
Aesthetics<\/p>\n
The power of beauty is vividly illustrated by the success of companies like Apple. Competing on price and product features is no longer enough.<\/p>\n
Spark<\/p>\n
How do great designers generate all those great ideas? By asking \u201cWhat if?\u201d By making unexpected connections. By applying new technologies. By turning to nature. And also from each other, through crowdsourcing and open innovation.<\/p>\n
Process<\/p>\n
The design process\u2014the way things actually get done\u2014is being transformed by new technologies and new approaches that can radically alter traditional design phases, workflows, time frames, roles, and outcomes.<\/p>\n
Discussions: <\/p>\n
Everyone: Evaluate any product below based on the 10 elements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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