I’ve had the priveledge of working with the Hong Kong Design Center on many occasions, and every time I walk away with inspiration. The HKDC always seems to be so precisely focused what matters. After running several joint conferences with the HKDC, I’m not surprised with how insightful their definition of design is. There are numerous definitions of design floating around, ranging from simply “a plan” to “a solution”. However, the Hong Kong Design Center articulates it from a perspective based on its function to the greater society, stating …
“Design is …
The link between creativity and innovation
Design is a planning and development process, transforming abstract ideas into desirable objects and services. It harnesses consumer insights, technological feasibility and business viability. Design is much broader than aesthetics. It is linked to functions, ease of manufacturing and delivery, sustainability, reliability, quality and productivity.
An integral part of all businesses
The value of design stretches across all industries and sectors – from manufacturing to services, such as banking, tourism, transport and logistics. Firms can create a more engaging brand experience and rewarding customer relationships through better design, not just in products, but also in services, environments, and communications.
Multi-disciplinary
Design should function at multiple levels. It requires more than simple collaboration amongst the different design disciplines. Participation from areas such as consumer research, engineering, technology, strategic planning, business management, marketing, psychology, anthropology and sociology are crucial to attaining better design. And better design equals better results.
A value creation tool
Design brings value to businesses by reducing costs, improving profitability and increasing brand equity.
Design has increasingly become a critical part of the overall corporate business strategy. Designers are natural innovators by virtue of their empathy, visual literacy and lateral thinking skills. More and more companies are tapping into the expertise of designers to create innovative business models, products, services to meet the latent and unfulfilled needs of customers.
Design also has a social value. Better design means better living. It brings tangible and sustainable improvements to our living environment, making it easier, safer and more enjoyable.”
A lovely interpretation indeed. What is your definition of design?