Design Ego

I have found my design philosophy subtly changing in the past year. I think it’s a good thing. I am listening to this radio spot (HT: Barry Blog) and have found myself agreeing whole-heartedly with what is being said.

So much of design today is based on, as one caller stated, “Design Ego." "It’s more about what the Designer is doing, not what the message should be.” Michael Bierut further explained this by stating this was a result of a “hunger for self-expression.” (This also may explain the annoying use of comic sans)

I am trying desperately to really zero in on communication in a way that is clever, intuitive and memorable. I think “over designing” is not just a taboo of the unskilled, who are using every photoshop filter there is and every “fancy” font they can find, but also of the skilled. The designer who is really aesthetically good and forgets what his trade is all about. I think we can end up cluttering the world more than we realize.

Take a listen to this radio clip. It will be influential even if your not a designer.

I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on this.

Comments

[Barry A. Smith]

I believe creating clever, intuitive and memorable work stems from creating a communication which is interesting and relevant. Timing is always at stake too, but so often I resonate with a communication that feels like a conversation. Mercedes Benz communicates a lot without saying anything through their Mix Tapes — giving mp3's out for free. The songs they choose create a sense of place and say "you deserve these, and no, there is no cost." Yes we are doing "design" - but communication design is about empathy, conversation and most of all honesty. Our design work has to be good, but to really get ahead, your thinking must be outstanding.

[Mindi Headrick]

I thought that I was just a minimalist at heart when I began encountering all of the crazy multi-font designs out there. However, I think you hit the nail on the head--or both nails. There is a lot of underskilled work out there and two those who do know what they are doing can find themselves keeping up with the jones' (who by the way the jones' could very well be the underskilled workers who think that fonts like comic sans will make you believe a line is funny even if the language & design aren't.) Nicely put Micah.

[Jeff B]

I can remember when flash website intros were hip among the web designer crowd. Nothing says "my company understands what you need" like 30 seconds of boom-shicka-boom-shicka and words flying all over the screen. Makes me chuckle just thinking about it.