Bad design vs. good design

What is good design?

Good design is a combination of form, function, and aesthetics that results in a product, service, or system that is effective, efficient, and desirable to use. It considers the needs and constraints of users, stakeholders, and the environment, and balances them with creative and innovative solutions. Good design should also be accessible, sustainable, and ethically responsible.

Good design doesn't make you think

The phrase refers to both the design process as well as the experience of interacting with it. Let's use websites as an example; if a website is unreliable, slow, or difficult to use, users will notice the design. The ideal harmony between form and function will be achieved via a competent design process. For the end user to comprehend and interact with it, good design should be straightforward. It's also challenging to comprehend the complexity of what goes into successful design because people usually engage with the finished result.

Good design is often described as being intuitive and user-friendly, and for good reason. A well-designed product should be so clear and straightforward that the user does not need to think about how to use it. Instead, the product should seamlessly integrate into the user's life, providing a positive and enjoyable experience.

Good design should start with a deep understanding of the user's needs and behaviors. By knowing what the user wants to achieve and how they think, designers can create products that meet those needs and work in the way the user expects. This includes considering factors such as accessibility, ease of use, and intuitive navigation.

One example of good design is the interface of a smartphone. The user should be able to intuitively navigate the phone, access the apps they need, and perform the tasks they want without having to think about it. This is achieved through careful design and user testing, ensuring that the interface is clear and easy to use.

Another example is the design of a home appliance, such as a washing machine. The user should be able to easily understand how to use the machine, select the right cycle, and operate it without having to think too much about it. Good design in this case would include clear labeling, intuitive controls, and a simple and straightforward user manual.

Good design also extends to the aesthetics of a product. A well-designed product should not only work well but also look good. Aesthetic appeal can add to the overall user experience, making the product more enjoyable to use and increasing the likelihood of the user returning.

“Most people make the mistake of thinking design is what it looks like. People think it’s this veneer  that the designers are handed this box and told, ‘Make it look good!’ That’s not what we think design is. It’s not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”

Bad design creates questions in your mind

Bad design can be frustrating, confusing and even maddening for users. It can raise questions and make users question the functionality and intent of the product. In a world where we are surrounded by products and services designed to make our lives easier, it’s imperative that the design of these products is not only aesthetically pleasing but also user-friendly and intuitive.

Bad design can take many forms, from confusing navigation to unclear messaging. A website or product with poor navigation can cause the user to become lost, leading to frustration and decreased engagement. This can also result in a negative perception of the brand and a decreased likelihood of the user returning. On the other hand, a well-designed website with clear and intuitive navigation will enable the user to find what they are looking for quickly and easily, leading to increased engagement and a positive perception of the brand.

Another common problem with bad design is unclear messaging. Products with unclear messaging can cause confusion and misunderstandings, leading the user to question the intent of the product. This can also result in decreased engagement and a negative perception of the brand. Clear and concise messaging, on the other hand, will help the user understand the purpose and functionality of the product, leading to increased engagement and a positive perception of the brand.

Bad design can also impact accessibility for users with disabilities. Products and services that are not designed with accessibility in mind can cause difficulties for users with disabilities, making it difficult or even impossible for them to use the product. This not only creates frustration for the user but also sends a negative message about the brand, as it shows a lack of consideration for all users.

“Bad design is simply great imagination without wisdom — M. Cobanli”

Good design is a lot like clear thinking made visual

Design, like all forms of communication, is about transmitting ideas and information. And just as clear writing or speech requires clear thinking, good design requires clear thinking made visual.

Good design is about solving problems and making complex information accessible and easy to understand. It is about taking complex ideas and presenting them in a way that is visually appealing and intuitive. This requires designers to think critically and understand their audience, what they are trying to communicate, and how to present that information in a way that is engaging and easily understandable.

Clear thinking is also essential in creating a consistent and cohesive visual language. This includes considering typography, color, and other design elements, and how they work together to create a visual identity that is recognizable and memorable.

Designers must also have a deep understanding of the medium they are working with. For example, design for print is different from design for the web. Understanding the limitations and opportunities of each medium is essential in creating effective and engaging designs.

Always remember: Simplificy is the ultimate form of sophistication

Simplicity is a term that is often associated with minimalism, but it's much more than that. In the world of design, simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication. A well-designed product that is simple, intuitive and easy to use can often be more effective than one that is complex and filled with features.

Simplicity can be achieved by stripping away all unnecessary elements and focusing on the core functionality of the product. This can make the product easier to use, faster and more efficient. For example, consider a to-do list app. A well-designed to-do list app should allow the user to add and check off tasks quickly and easily, without any unnecessary steps or distractions.

Simplicity can also make a product more accessible to a wider audience. A product that is easy to use is more likely to be used by a wider range of people, including those with disabilities or limited technical skills. By making the product simple, designers can ensure that it is accessible to all users, regardless of their background or level of experience.

Simplicity can also lead to increased engagement and a positive perception of the brand. A product that is simple and easy to use is more likely to be used and enjoyed by the user, leading to increased engagement and a positive perception of the brand. On the other hand, a product that is complex and difficult to use is likely to result in decreased engagement and a negative perception of the brand.

My conclusion

In conclusion, the four stages of design thinking provide a structured approach to solving complex problems. By empathizing with users, defining the problem, ideating solutions, and testing and refining ideas, designers can create innovative solutions that meet the needs of the users. Design thinking encourages collaboration, iteration, and learning, making it a valuable process for anyone looking to solve problems in a creative and effective way.

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