We all have our own taste and opinions when it comes to how we decorate our homes, what we wear and how we adorn our bodies with tattoos or not.
But despite that, we all adhere to the principles of good design either knowingly or subconsciously.
Alessi, most people would agree is associated with good design even though it might not necessarily fit with your style.
It's fun ergonomically thought out the shapes and forms are stylish, the colour choices make sure it appeals to a wide range of customers interiors and the designs are all timeless.
All of those things make sure Alessi products make onto any 'classic design' list.
William Morris said - "Do not have anything in your home you do not believe to be both useful and beautiful"
For me good design is anything which has been well though out with the user at the forefront of the designers mind, if the product is not fit for use then it is not a good design.
There are different factors which make a product fit for use in a practical sense but also in an the aesthetics, if no body likes the look of it, then that's not good design either, this reflects what William Morris said, if 'YOU' believe it to be both beautiful and useful then, is it fit for purpose? and is it good design?
The main Principles I believe are;
Is it fit for purpose?
Can you use it easily?
Does it do the job it's supposed to do?
Does it fit in with your lifestyle?
Is it good value for money?
Is it aesthetically pleasing?
Does it consider sustainability in its production and materials?
You may have other criteria you want to add but the basics are the same, you may not think you are design conscious but we all are in some way, when you buy anything online or in shops, you will ask yourself those some or all of those things and will contribute to your final decision on whether you buy anything or not.
When in store you will pick up and handle goods, a tactile element goes along way in deciding to buy or not to buy and online you apply that visually, does it look like it would feel good to the touch?
Texture always takes a key part in the design process and how the consumer will interact with the product, if the product doesn't feel good to touch it will be less successful in sales. Colours and trends play a big part too, there are lots of resources online or in industry publications where you can find out about seasonal trends in colour schemes, materials and processes and should always be looked at to appeal to the current market.
Successful design
Not so good design
From The Sedgway, unfortunate Red trails on the floor in a Hospital and wonky stairs, they are all examples of design gone slightly awry and highlight the need to thoroughly research and give thought to any designs.
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