The Trifecta of Change

As an avid museum-goer, I have had the pleasure of visiting numerous museums during my recent assignment. However, my journey truly came full circle when I arrived at The Design Museum in London, England - the first museum I had set foot in during this assignment, and also the one I had saved for last as it was undoubtedly the best.

London is a city renowned for its wealth of museums, and The Design Museum stands out as one of the most exceptional. It caters to individuals from all walks of life and interests, with its extensive collection and engaging exhibitions. The museum's dedication to the art and design industry is evident in every aspect of its operations, from its captivating displays to its commitment to promoting education and research.

The museum is located on a busy street in London, yet the moment you enter its doors, a sense of serenity washes over you. The peaceful ambiance is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, providing visitors with an immersive and tranquil experience.

As I explored the museum, I couldn't help but notice how expertly the gallery was divided into three distinct and open spaces. The top floor features a permanent exhibition, Designer Maker User, which showcases the works of some of the most talented and celebrated designers from around the globe. The display serves as a testament to the museum's commitment to promoting creativity and innovation within the field of design.

The first floor of the museum houses a design and architecture reference library that is an invaluable resource for students, educators, researchers, and designers alike. It was fascinating to see the extensive collection of reference material available to visitors, highlighting the museum's dedication to promoting knowledge and understanding of design and architecture.

Finally, the ground floor of the museum is the largest gallery in the new Design Museum, where visitors can enjoy a rotating series of temporary exhibitions. These exhibits showcase the latest trends and innovations in the world of design, featuring the works of both established and emerging designers.

As I explored The Design Museum's Designer Maker User exhibition, I was struck by a board located at the beginning of the exhibit that provided an insightful explanation of the design process. It highlighted how designers respond to the needs of makers and users, how users consume and influence design and culture, and how technological advancements and changes in manufacturing transform our world. This board effectively communicated that design, as a process, is carried out by people, for people.

The exhibition also featured a chronological display of powerful dates that have been significant in the world of design. One date that particularly caught my attention was 1926, which marked the year that Margarete Schutte-Lihotzky planned the first fitted kitchen. Schutte-Lihotzky drew from her personal experiences within the family home and the changing status of women to design a kitchen that reflected contemporary ideas of spatial arrangement and effectiveness.

The fitted kitchen was a groundbreaking invention as it introduced a standard for kitchens to follow. Before its invention, work surfaces were placed at different, often awkward levels, and there was no logical placement of items with related functions such as the ergonomics of the refrigerator, cooker, and sink areas. Schutte-Lihotzky's design revolutionised the way people interacted with their kitchens, making daily tasks easier and more efficient.

The Designer Maker User exhibition provided a unique lens through which to view the exhibits. It highlighted the crucial role that the needs of makers and users play in the design process and demonstrated how design is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of society. This lens encouraged me to view design as an ongoing conversation between designers, makers, and users, rather than a static process. Overall, the exhibition was a fascinating exploration of the power of design to shape our world and influence our daily lives.

My Purpose: How does the designer drive change?

During the course of the Design Museum exhibition, I had the opportunity to engage with my classmates and discuss our impressions of the exhibits. As we walked through the galleries, I asked them if they had found an answer to the question that was posed to us. While they found several exhibits to be intriguing, most of them struggled to identify a specific exhibit that addressed the question at hand. Instead, they chose to focus on a particular designer or exhibit that they found particularly impactful and how it demonstrated a change in the design industry.

Personally, I found myself initially feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of how to approach the question. As I moved through the exhibition, I encountered a board that explicitly posed the question, which helped me to focus my thoughts. Despite this, I still did not find a particular exhibit that stood out to me as a direct answer to the question. However, I appreciated the breadth of design objects and artifacts on display and the ways in which they spoke to the overall theme of the exhibition, namely, how designers respond to the needs of makers and users, how users consume and influence design and culture, and how technological advancements and changes in manufacturing transform our world.

“What is a good design”

During my visit to The Design Museum, I had a moment of realization when I came across a board that posed a fundamental question, "What is good design?" This question sparked an array of thoughts and contemplation within me. Is good design solely based on the usefulness and effectiveness of an object? Or, does it also include the ability to evoke an emotional response? Is good design tangible or intangible? These are just a few of the many questions that came to my mind. In my opinion, design also has a moral and ethical component, and it is the responsibility of designers to bring about positive change in the world through their designs.

As I continued to explore the exhibition, I noticed a common thread of fluidity that connected all the designs, despite being from different timelines and addressing various issues and audiences. The underlying question that remained was whether these designs were successful in bringing about a positive change in the world.

My contemplation led me to an equation that could define good design. In my opinion, good design is a combination of functionality, emotion, ethics, and impact. A design that serves its intended purpose effectively, evokes an emotional response, is morally and ethically responsible, and brings about a positive impact in the world can be considered as good design.

Good Design = Interaction + Ethics + Art + Results

In conclusion, the question of what constitutes good design is a complex one, with multiple factors at play. Functionality, emotional response, tangibility, and ethical responsibility are all important aspects to consider. The impact of design on society and culture cannot be underestimated, and it is the responsibility of designers to drive positive change in the world. Consumer choice is also a key factor, with practical considerations and personal taste playing a role in determining the success of a design. Ultimately, our possessions are a reflection of our identity and aspirations. Through innovative products, new services, and fresh ideas, design has the power to enrich and enhance our lives, helping us to live longer and more fulfilling lives.