From MoMA Learning
(Museum of Modern Art, New York)
Design is a name
From the time you wake up to the time you die
oh, sleep, designers play a role in our daily lives. Design makes ideas tangible, translating them into physical form. Someone is responsible for designing the things we consume, use, and interact with every day, whether they are objects, spaces, landscapes, or communication and transportation systems. At any given moment, we are presented with a set of solutions to a problem that has been considered by someone, or as Paola Antonelli, Curator of Architecture and Design at MoMA, has said:
"Everything is designed, in one way or another."
Before the 20th century, design was thought of primarily in the context of the decorative arts, which emphasized unique, handcrafted forms, often available in limited quantities. Over time, the growth and complexity of modern society changed the way people interacted and lived their daily lives, increasing the demand for consumer products that met the needs of a wider audience and were affordable. The Industrial Revolution and the emergence of mass production enabled designers to consider form, function, material, and cost in a way that was previously impossible.
Eventually, the classical notion of design expanded beyond the decorative arts into a broader field, which was divided into specialized practical branches such as industrial design, interior design, and fashion design. The development of technologies, new materials, and user needs continue to drive new forms in design practice, such as interactive design.
Design is a verb
"Design" does not just refer to things and spaces; it is also the process of planning, evaluating, and implementing a plan for a problem. The first step in the design process is often to brainstorm possible solutions. This can take the form of words, sketches, or photographs that articulate the designer's ideas. Once the idea has been expressed, the designer selects the best solution to the problem. Sometimes, a designer will consult with an engineer, who helps produce a prototype. The prototype is tested to ensure that the design is functional and aesthetically pleasing.
As consumers of everyday objects, we play an important role in the design process. Designers often observe consumers to assess and respond to the needs and functions of the products they create. From choosing a new shape or color for a cell phone to deciding on the height of subway seats, designers rely heavily on market research and consumer insights.
Source: MoMA Learning
