A bane of learning by doing is the lack of an elevator pitch to explain what you do. This post is about how I view the field of design and how I choose to define the discipline.
Design as I understand it is a process to solve problems that are either new in nature requiring a 0 to 1 approach in bringing something new into the world. Or is one which is complex to a degree that needs a new approach. It’s not a discipline that exists by itself but lies on the cusp of various disciplines focused on making the human experience better..
Design is a growth engine that helps make improvements.
The 3 Cs
Specialisation in this field can be divided into 3 categories the content, the context and the container.
Content being the final piece of artwork itself which requires skills and know how related to the execution of the solution. This aspect deals with the craftsmanship of their work, fine tuning and improving the quality of the output. Includes skill such as mastering tools of the craft, developing a style of illustration, honing an aesthetic.
Container being the medium, the solution is being delivered in. This requires more domain knowledge such as ceramics, new media, textiles, print graphics. The prefix you attach to design can be considered the medium of solving the problem. For Eg. A textile designer is trained in the craft of textile in order to solve problems through this medium. In today's scenario with a growing interest in design further specialisation into subdomain have become common such as graphic designers specialising in digital design, or identities, type design etc.
Context is the sector/system the solution is being offered in such as ed tech, or fin tech, medicine etc. This sort of specialisation is built over time through recurring work in one field ideally with engagements with multiple clients.
Design as a Service
In my view design practiced commercially is a service, undertaken in service of the client. in communication and product design the dynamics are slightly different, while the objectives are decided by the client, the task is undertaken in service of the end consumer (who is usually different from the client) also referred to as the user.
I would describe my approach to design as the process of experimentation we undergo to create a solution for a specific problem outlined at the start of the experiment.
My focus has usually been within branding and identity, while I enjoy meddling with card games every now and then. in the projects I have pursued I usually choose the domain of the project rather than the medium or output.
Most designer suffer from a fallacy that can be called the man with a hammer, as the saying goes a man with a hammer sees every problem as a nail.
Well this is very true in terms of design, most designer pick a skill or a craft and tend to view the problem through this lens, while this might seems as a negative, it’s important to realise that design is a creative profession and therefore is subjective in nature.