Design Dissected

What is design? Is there really a single definition that describes design? Some say that design is a process, to some it’s a product. Design is in many ways both. Design is, according to the Oxford Dictionary ‘a drawing or plan from which something may be made.’ This means that design is something you can see and touch. It is the process of envisioning and planning the creation of objects, interactive systems, buildings, vehicles, etc. It is user-centered, i.e. users are at the heart of the design thinking approach. It is about creating solutions for people, physical items or more abstract systems to address a need or a problem. To – design in this way is how we convert fiction to reality from our thoughts and imagination.

Having established that design is in many ways a process and not a product we now ask ourselves, ‘What is a good design?’ many scholars and artists are constantly searching for the answer to this golden question. From many years of study and experience we can come up with a few answers that we can use as irreducible minimums. A foundation, so to speak, that will help us establish what this ‘good design’ that we search for is. In general we will look at design as a whole then go specifically into the design of houses as an example to help us better understand.

Here are some guidelines on what design is, specifically ‘GOOD’ design

Good Design Understands the Client's Needs

Design is about listening to the client’s needs and wants. In Architecture we call this ‘taking down the client’s brief’. A client brief is a two-way communication between a client and designer who will be working on the project.

The client brief outlines the projects’ scope and aspirations, making sure that both the client and designer know what is expected of them and what the end result should look like. It helps manage expectations and keeps both parties grounded with what was agreed upon before starting the project.

Before commencement of a project, the designer must understand the client’s brief and specifics of a project. A good designer is constantly trying to understand the client’s dreams and ambitions from inception to completion stage of a project.

The design process is an open forum for a client and a designer to discuss ideas and see what is achievable together. Good design is birthed from effective communication and understanding between the parties involved.

Good Design Solves Problems

Good design solves problems in an unproblematic way. All projects are unique with different challenges; from building on a cliff or steep site to building near a waterbody i.e. river, lake, ocean etc. The best designs take these problems as opportunities. Well thought out solutions are devised to these ‘opportunities’ that not only enhance the final built form, but also contribute to its uniqueness and overall quality. From foundation drawings to site plans, site landscaping to roof plans, proper drainage channels to perimeter wall drawings, a good design has to capture and present solutions to each problem it encounters.

Famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright looked to solve site problems by blending his buildings with nature in a way that enhances the building relation to its site. This timeless built form was completed in 1935.

Good design is cost effective and sustainable.

This is not to be confused with being cheap, it simply means that a project should not cost more than it should. Cost effectiveness makes a good design achievable. Be it by stripping down all the unnecessary expenses or by scaling down to the most vital spaces, a good design can satisfy all the client’s needs at achievable prices. A well-designed home saves the client from reoccurring maintenance costs by offering sound and sustainable building quality. Good designs stand the test of time and in this way, they offer value for money.

For instance, in the image above, we can see a well-designed interior space which may not necessarily be costly. There are many ways of optimizing cost in design i.e. by choice of materials

Good design is user friendly

Good design is user friendly in that the arrangement of spaces is well thought out and in a synchronized manner to achieve optimal use. A free-flowing open plan layout houses multiple functions at once, be it having dinner while watching TV or sitting with guests, or relaxing at a shaded outdoor terrace while watching the sunset. Good design is freeing not limiting; it enhances the user experience and comfort.

Whether it’s a large airy open space or well portioned rooms, good design allows users to maximize the space and achieve high comfort levels. User friendly spaces allow for easy way finding, lighting, ventilation etc. The spaces are deliberate and dynamic, changing with the need of the user while remaining structurally sound.

Good design is aesthetically pleasing

Lastly, good design don’t compromise on aesthetics; this simply means good designs should be beautiful. Beauty is different to many people. For some, high ceilings with plenty of light are beautiful, for others the finishes and the attention to detail is what makes them tick. Others might argue that beauty is making use of small spaces while to others, space cannot be compromised. In reality, it’s difficult to find one standard for beauty. Therein lies the true challenge for creating beautiful designs. It’s upto to the designer to understand the client’s brief, translate his/her imagination to a cost effective, user friendly and aesthetically pleasing design.

Beauty enhances a sense of ownership and belonging to a space. Beautiful spaces encourage people to enjoy the surroundings maintain them and ultimately fall in love with them

Closing remarks

DESIGN! This is what we do at Ruby Group Limited. For us here, design is a process, a means to an end and the end product all at once. It’s not just about what we do, but it’s how we do it. It’s in our understanding and our actualization of design that we set ourselves apart. From our competent staff to our capable management here at Ruby Group Limited we understand design so you don’t have to