Design Studies: Make Things|Make Sense

'Everything is designed the way it is for a reason.'


Design makes sense.


Or does it?


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Today, Hazel White gave us a little insight into her life as both a jeweller and a designer.


The main question put forward was:


''WHO are you designing for?'' and ''WHAT are their needs?''


These questions are not exclusive to jewellers, but are also of extreme relevance to all existing designers in the world, whether they are architects, interior designers, graphic designers, or jewellers.


As designers, It is important that we know how to make sense of things, whether it's people, products, systems or services.


In relation to this, Hazel mentioned the design of the 'large, red emergency button' that elderly people are advised to wear around their necks in case they are in need of assistance.
The problem that has been identified with this particular design is that the 'large, red emergency button' poses as a 'I can't look after myself' device.


This example made me think.
-This design doesn't make sense.


Design has SO much potential.
It can be anything.


I believe that design needs to be challenged, - the 'large, red emergency button' for example..


Every design sends out a message.
All designs signify something..


The difficulty lies with making something like a 'large, red emergency button' aesthetically pleasing.
How can a device like this be beautiful?
Could it be an unique piece of jewellery!?


-I guess that's were we come in.  It's up to us as designers it to find away around it...