What is good design?

In my opinion a good design successfully executes its three main aspects: functionality, efficiency, and aesthetics. I would argue that it also tackles them in a hierarchical approach where functionality is the most important followed by efficiency and then aesthetics.

A product must be designed for its functionality, its purpose. It must carry out the task or tasks for which it was designed, even if this product is an abstract one, e.g.: Advertisement. Next a good design, makes the product efficient. It should maximize the speed and/or comfortability with which the product is used. Lastly, the design should be appealing. Since the ultimate goal of the end product of a design is to be used whether it is for mass production or not, this must be appealing for the end user. Aesthetics should also help reinforce the use of it through many artistic tools, such as shape language, color theory, etc.

To illustrate the earlier point, we can take the example of advertisement, which is an abstract concept. The function of an ad is to attract attention, convince the public. Depending on the medium (TV commercial, billboard, etc.) this needs to happen quickly and efficiently. Last the and most be appealing, attract the spectator. Now graphic design uses aesthetics and visual cues to realize its functionality, but it is worth noting that even in graphic design the concept of aesthetics and functionality are separate concepts that work hand and hand, as do all elements of a good design. Essentially aesthetic is meant to capture the viewer’s or listener’s attention quickly. However, if the two primordial elements of design, the interest of the targeted audience will be lost, and one thing is for sure, good design is timeless.

Although These principles permeate all branches of design, they manifest differently in each of those branches. We will talk about architecture, interior design, costume or fashion design, graphic design, and product design.

Architecture

I think that a good building, therefore a good architectural design is best described by Vitruvius, “firmitas, utilitas, venustas”, which means that a building should be firm, useful, and beautiful. However, there is another element equally important in contemporary architecture, sustainability. Sustainability encompasses the efficient use of materials, energy, development space and ecosystem from the building stage through the life of the building.  Personally, good architecture places a greater emphasis on aesthetic and sustainability without sacrificing sustainability and functionality. Architecture is meant to beautify the space is surrounding by.

Zaha Hadid, London Aquatic Centre, July 27, 2011, London, UK

Zaha Hadid, Dubai Opera House, 2016, Dubai, Uniter Arab Emirates.

Interior Design

In my opinion good interior design is minimal and efficient. I like to know where everything is and like to be able to move around the space. I believe that good interior design achieves pleasant aesthetics without cluttering the space; it maximizes everyday activities. 

Costume Design

Good costume design tells you, or at least is coherent with, everything you need to know about a character or performer. The design should reinforce the character’s personality. It should give you hints of the cultural background of the character (even if it is from a foreign universe). Most important, a good costume has a purpose and a story. Props, objects, weapons are part of a character’s costume and they should have a purpose to reinforce the narrative of the character as well as the story.

Anastasia Bulgakova

Graphic Design

Good graphic design communicates accurately. I believe good graphic design is timeless or can be readapted without much change of the original design. It catches the attention of the viewer immediately and it should be simple and concise.  

Carolyn Davidson, Nike Swoosh, 1971

Alan Siegel, NBA Logo, 1969

Product design

This is where the elements of good design become more evident and more cohesive. The functionality aspect is vital to me. A good product design must do what it was meant to do. It must function well and it must do it ergonomically. Aesthetic play a very secondary role in the validity of a product. However, aesthetically the product must be cohesive. It should be give indication of what it is used for and it must be appealing. A very appealing quality is being multifunctional without sacrificing efficiency in its primary function.