Many people think good design is something that looks visually appealing, this is not always the case. Good design also needs to meet attributes such as perform in a certain way, convert opinions and views, and arguably most important fulfil its purpose.
Good design is measured by collating multiple perspectives and it’s ever expanding as some things are more important on some projects than on others.
Below is a list of some factors that contribute to ‘Good Design’:
Good Design is intuitive
Intuitive design should explain itself and make user guides and manuals redundant. It should speak for itself without explaining its function.
Good Design should sell itself
It should be strong enough that it distinguishes itself from its competitors and sets the bar in it’s marketplace or industry rather than following trends and fads.
Good Design has longevity
It should last the test of time and should be built with a view of sustainability rather than what is fashionable at the time of creation.
Good Design is often as little as possible
Rather than “Less, is better”, good design should be “less, is more” and should focus on the most essential elements of the design rather than burdening itself with unnecessary design elements. Often design is the simplest solution or ideas.
Good design never looses focus
Good design should be effective in meeting its original purpose and shouldn’t rely on external factors to make it work or to make it a stronger design.
Good design should always be honest
We’ve all heard the saying “honesty is the best policy” and that old saying applies to design. Good design should be honest and reflect designs direction. It should never attempt to manipulate its target audiences views and options with false promises that it cannot maintain or keep.