ethos — reflections on design.

Introduction

As the world becomes increasingly complex, the role of designers in shaping human experiences has become more important than ever before. Designers are responsible for creating products, services, and environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional, accessible, and sustainable. Whether working in the digital realm or the physical world, designers must understand the far-reaching effects of their work and strive to create experiences that enhance, rather than detract from, the lives of those who use them.

Part I. Considerate Design: a personal ethos and approach to design

Part II. Future of Design: what is the next epoch?

Part III. Toolkit: methods & tools for practice

Part I. Considerate Design

Reflecting upon our responsibilities as designers, shaping human experiences and their real-world impacts.

Considerate Design takes into account products and their context of use through an alignment of values, expectations and purpose. Its principles are reinforced through tools such as critique, traditional design-thinking processes, and a multi-layered systems approach.

Core Principles

Design is a conversation.

Engaging others in the design process and generating perspectives leads to critical thought. Designers should reflect on their role in design and the purpose of their intent for users (direct and ancillary).

Empathy is a state (of being).

Designer embody empathy as a tool to understand products within the socio-economic and cultural context of their use for users. The ‘success’ of a product or service depends on how well users and their systems align with the product’s purpose.

Process evaluates consequences.

Design is a powerful asset which enables both positive and negative consequences. The ability to discuss and anticipate these possibilities can reduce risks, and enables designers to consider personal and social biases towards decision-making.

Part II. Future of Design

Into an age of decentralization

Design is a reflection and evolution of practice. In the digital age, it has largely stemmed from the end of WWII and addressing the needs of returning veterans, and ongoing policies, globalization and consumer behavior.

Part III. Toolkit

Tools and methods for design in practice

Developed to facilitate understanding, and provide an inclusive, holistic approach when navigating wicked problems and scalable to scope.