We understand that design is crucial across various fields, including product, industrial, experience, and supply chain design. Take the excitement surrounding the iPhone 5 as an example; it’s not merely about functionality, but also about desire. Consumers seek objects and experiences that they genuinely want to engage with, going beyond just fulfilling their basic needs.
As a result, competition has shifted from technology to design. Companies are now focused on innovating and surpassing one another in the design realm. However, this focus on design has led to a saturation where designed products and experiences are often viewed as commonplace or even uninspiring.
Design, once a major differentiating factor, is no longer enough on its own.
John Maeda, an accomplished artist, graphic designer, and educator, held the position of president at the Rhode Island School of Design and previously worked at the MIT Media Lab. Recognized as one of the 75 most influential figures of the 21st century, Maeda’s accolades include the AIGA Medal, and his artwork can be found in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection.
Reflecting on his experience with students coding at the MIT Media Lab, he noted a significant shift in the ability to develop sophisticated web services. With tools like Processing for information design and open-source platforms such as Arduino, the landscape of programming and prototyping has become more accessible. This proliferation of simple tech tools has made design omnipresent.
However, today’s consumers desire more than just technology or attractive designs. They seek to reconnect with their values and find meaning in how they live their lives. Innovation needs to transcend traditional design and delve into the realm of art.
Combining technical skills with creative, humanizing instincts is vital for true innovation, but it’s important to distinguish between design and art. Designers focus on creating tangible solutions that drive progress, while artists pose profound questions that challenge conventional thinking about purpose and meaning, often prompting introspection and exploration.
In the business world, Steve Jobs exemplified the CEO-as-artist. According to Isaacson’s biography, being an artist involves an unwavering pursuit of an ideal that others cannot yet perceive. While not everyone identifies with this dramatic portrayal, shedding negative stereotypes allows a clearer understanding of what it means to be an artist—often someone who sacrifices personal comfort for a cause that may seem insignificant to others but holds great value to them.
An artist’s motivation is ultimately personal, striving for deeper truths rather than fame or wealth. Jobs exemplified this by relentlessly exploring the potential of a digital ecosystem that transcends mere functionality and addresses cultural significance. Consumers are drawn to his products not only for their performance or design but out of respect for the integrity of his vision and the values it embodies.
In an age where ethical integrity is increasingly called into question, maintaining strong values is paramount. We want to support products that are responsibly made and sincerely marketed—roots that stem from human creativity rather than soulless algorithms.