Design, what a powerful and magnificent word, it is everywhere and anywhere from the beginning of history to our modern days for each and every one of us to notice. According to dictionary, its official meaning would be “a plan for a construction of an object or a system.” Thus, I would say, Design, is to create, something pure and naked by our bare hands, as to accomplish different purposes and goals according to the situation we are in.
I personally believe that Design is a universal language just like Mathematics, and it speaks for itself, full of emotions and life that also is a tool for communication between people and our world.
In the Christianity world, the Holy Bible stated “God, the living spirit of all things, created mankind, yea, thy spirit are created in the image of God.” If taken this line into the Design field, I would interpret that “Creation” as “Design”, in which each and every one of us have the capability and power to “Design” or “Create” something pioneer to the world just like God did, since we are a reflection of Him.
Many said the education you receive dictates your future and person, as back in the United States, the system is quite different than in Asia. Students in high school would normally know what they want to field in the future, therefore by any means move and search towards thy direction. For instance, if a student loves music, then the classes he or she takes would corresponds to their need and desire, as well as the appropriate university and opportunities would come along naturally. I personally believe this method of teaching is more effective and efficient, which also promotes and train the students to be independent rather than following mechanical instructions each day. Ultimately, I concur in is all up to the students’ own effort to choose the path and direction they want to proceed no matter what system they are in.
Our Professor often asked us “What is a good design?” “What decides and rules the formation of it?” “Does it have to be something that won an award or contribute to our world?” Ironically, Professor would tell us there is no right or wrong answer, because everyone may define it in their own unique way. However, the “Power of Design” is different, it has no limits and borders. The phenomenal part of Design is that it can change and transform things, basically anything that is part of our life. And because of this possibility, the world can come up with different perspectives to things differently and to improve our living standards. For example, nowadays many organizations are speaking for Global issues and environmental protection, therefore, designers would come up with projects that lines up to meet these statues and requests. I would also say that Design is full of energy and spirit that can even combine and corporate with different fields to create many possibilities.
After some understandings, I would categorize the Design field or a designed product into two areas, one is created for the society, the other for personal or profit. For “society” product, I think it is something created for a better purpose, something that makes a difference to the world, in which this field has more requirements and standards such as to create something that is cheaper, better, and faster. Because of the world we live in, mankind tends to have the eager to chase after new things, which is why we tend to be “behind technology” all the time. Therefore, we must keep improving ourselves and refreshing our “world” because this is the way we move on and towards the future we desire. On the other hand, “personal” product, I define it as something that may not be necessary and needed in the world but strongly represents the style or fashion in particular, like many high end profitable companies around the world today. Thus, no matter what type of design it is, it all needs to go through a specific process to make it happen, each and every process are all important and needs to be considered, such as its color, comfort, usage, form, compact, cost, and profit must all be well thought of. However, many times designers likes to take an element to its maximum potential, and often times beyond it, in some cases fantasizes too much that may not be proceeded by the current technology or mechanical formations. But as long as we tried our best to do something, it is what it is and we should be proud of it, because there is no perfection, only close to it.
Sincerely
