Comments on: How do you measure good design

By: Alvalyn Lundgren

Alvalyn Lundgren — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:25:43 +0000

Yes, ALL human beings. Aesthetics apply to all people at all times. The principles are based on humanness, not on culture, styles or personal opinions. Thus they are universal and, if you dare to accept the idea, absolutes.

Think in terms of written languages that use letter forms and words. Whether one is communicating in French, Hebrew or English, verbs, nouns, adjectives, etc. are involved. Those are what aesthetics are – foundational. Style is built on top of that – how those parts of speech are used to form the language.

And if you understand gestalt theory applied to design, you understand how aesthetics are about how we perceive and understand visually.

By: Brian

Brian — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 00:40:26 +0000

Alvalyn,
Thanks for the great comment! Definitely a thought to ponder… May I ask a question though? You’re “definition” to aesthetics stated that its a foundational, universal principle addressing what is visually appealing to human beings — ALL human beings? Because if it cannot apply to all then it goes back to being “personal, subjective and unclear”. Just more food for thought… ;)

By: Alvalyn Lundgren

Alvalyn Lundgren — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:05:05 +0000

I have to disagree with your basic premise, that “Aesthetic questions are personal to the designer, client and audience â€” the answers will always be subjective and unclear”. As a design practitioner and teacher of design principles, I understand the difference between aesthetics and style. Aesthetics are not subject to the opinion or whim of the designer or client, but are foundational, universal principles addressing what is visually appealing to human beings. Aesthetics apply in all places, at all times, in all cultures. Marry aesthetics and function/user experience and you have good design.

Style is the subjective thing. But style has to be supported by aesthetics.

I am most often able to persuade my clients based on a discussion of sound aesthetics applied to the purpose of the design, and win them over. They have a hard time disagreeing at that point. Then we discuss “style” and personal tastes, and what role those issues should play in the design solution. Or what their basis is for wanting something done in a certain way. That relates to your Item # 4 – does the design serve its purpose?

By: What is the cost of compromising on good design? : Tracey Grady Design | Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:06:25 +0000

[...] The Design Cubicle has an interesting discussion on keeping the client happy, which was the inspiration for my post: What Constitutes Good Design [...]

By: Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Mokokoma Mokhonoana — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:19:49 +0000

If the designer does his/her job successfully (#4), it will equal to a happy client (#1), which ‘should’ mean profit for the designer (#3). And a successful design should is the first step to a happy designer (#2)!

By: Educating your clients | The Design Cubicle

Educating your clients | The Design Cubicle — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:59:43 +0000

[...] solution that will fit their audience’s needs and communicate their products/services AND keep them happy.Â If you’ve had experience with this, then you know its not easy. It takes work, patience and [...]

By: level 3 | Digg hot tags

level 3 | Digg hot tags — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:09:11 +0000

[...] Vote What constitutes good design? [...]

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:56:13 +0000

Rama,
Thanks for the comment. And, yes, in terms of priority I would have ordered them differently. Glad you enjoyed the article.

By: rama

rama — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:28:43 +0000

yes, #4 should be higher priority than #2 and #3.
Great insight, great article, and thanks for sharing it.

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:35:14 +0000

Jeff,
I agree with you completely. Trust is important on both behalves. Didn’t mention it directly, because if they don’t trust you, then their typically not happy. And we like happy people :)