Celebrating Creativity and Innovation
Design is how one plans and creates things to make them useful, attractive, and easy to use. It is all around us. Design is not just about making things look nice. “World Design Day” is observed every year on 27 April. It is a celebration of the multitude of disciplines that design brings in. Design has been a part of human existence since prehistoric times. As civilisations developed, so did the complexity and sophistication of design. The Pyramids of Egypt, Machu Picchu, the Parthenon in Greece and The Colosseum (Rome, Italy), the Brihadeeswara Temple of Thanjavur, Shore Temple or Pancha Rathas (five chariots) at Mahabalipuram are examples of early design achievements with aesthetic appeal. Ancient Indian scriptures offer a wealth of knowledge on design, like Vaastu Shastra, and various treatises on architecture and town planning. Emerging technologies like AI, virtual reality, and sustainable materials open up new possibilities for designers. The design also reflects culture and identity. It tells stories, builds brands, and can even drive social change. As we progress, the principles of good design- functionality, aesthetics, and innovation, remain as relevant as ever.
Design is Not Just What It Looks Like and Feels Like. Design is How It Works.
Steve Jobs
Design is how one plans and creates things to make them useful, attractive, and easy to use. It is all around us, be it the layout of your favourite app, the shape of your coffee mug or how a park is arranged. Design is not just about making things look nice. It is about how things workand how they make people feel. Imagine a teapot. A designer would consider the handle – whether it is easy to grip, the spout – whether it pours without spilling, the material – whether it will keep the tea warm and the shape – whether it looks good on your table. So much goes into making the object better, and that is design. The challenge in design is whether what appeals to one person need not be to others and is highly subjective.
The idea of observation of “World Design Day” is attributed to Kim Paulsen of the International Council of Graphic Design Associations. In 1995, it was known as “World Graphics Day”; in 2020, it was named World Graphics Day. It is a celebration of the multitude of disciplines that design brings in. The date was chosen to commemorate the International Council of Design Day.
Design, in its most fundamental form, has been a part of human existence since prehistoric times. As civilisations developed, so did the complexity and sophistication of design. The Pyramids of Egypt, Machu Picchu, the Parthenon in Greece and The Colosseum (Rome, Italy) are examples of early design achievements with aesthetic appeal. Ancient Indian scriptures offer a wealth of knowledge on design. Ancient Indian town planning incorporated symbolic elements and geometric concepts. These designs were functional and held spiritual significance, aiming to create harmonious living environments: Vaastu Shastra and various treatises on architecture and town planning. Ancient Indian design thinking was holistic, integrating discipline, skills, empathy, and teamwork. The Brihadeeswara Temple of Thanjavur, Shore Temple, and Pancha Rathas (five chariots) at Mahabalipuram are a few examples of excellence that Indian culture has inherited. While the ancient constructions inspire awe and admiration for their scale, precision, and enduring legacy, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE, and Sydney Opera House, Australia, are reflections of excellence in modern times.
Everything is Designed. Few things are Designed well.
Brian Reed
Design is all around us and encompasses a wide range of disciplines. Graphic design, Industrial design, Fashion design, and, more recently, user experience (UX) design. As technology continues to evolve, so does the field of design. The rise of digital technology, globalisation, and sustainability concerns have all influenced contemporary design practices. Emerging technologies like AI, virtual reality, and sustainable materials open new possibilities for designers. The design also reflects culture and identity. It tells stories, builds brands, and can even drive social change.
As we move forward, the principles of good design -functionality, aesthetics, and innovation – remain as relevant as ever.
Design: Blending Innovation, Beauty and Purpose.
Toon: Anusha
Log: M Sai Baba
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