Cecilia Gómez Lauría

Since mid-2009 I have been obsessed with the term “good design”.  After having read, discussed, observed, heard and introspected, I have concluded that “good design” is an empty concept used to the writer’s/speaker’s convenience and opportunely adapted to his situation.

Nonetheless, I have defined what it is to me and plan on using the following principles as a parting point for all my designs.

Ceci’s nine principles to “good design”

1. Good design makes sure the product is necessary.
2. Good design ensures the product serves its concrete function.
3. Good design is universal.
4. Good design is timeless.
5. Good design is genderless.
6. Good design is easily understood by its users.
7. Good design is congruous.
8. Good design employs minimal or no packaging.
9. Good design considers the product’s full life-cycle.

Expanding on, evolving and reanalyzing my previous thoughts…

After a year of graduate school, lots of reading and even more thinking, reasoning and reflection, I am no longer satisfied with my ‘good design checklist’ (perhaps I should have called it ‘enduring design’).  I now believe in something greater, something I call “honest, thoughtful design“.

Here are my drafted initial rationalizations:

• Design ≠ inspiration:  Design is no more about inspiration than it is about genuine comprehension and resolution.
• Honest, thoughtful design (HTD) is more than a resolution: Beyond responding to a real need, HTD looks to the creation of objects that make people question and take a critical stance towards themselves and the society they live in.  An HTD will stimulate its user’s imagination and be a challenge to her intellect in a propositive manner.
• Responsibilities / principles of an HTD designer:

1. Respect. For users, for society, for the environment, for creative abilities, for intellectual capacity.
2. Honesty.
3. Empathy.
4. Thorough involvement and commitment; sincere engagement.

… to be completed & refined when my ideas are solid.