I always tell my designers that the best place to find design inspiration is not in front of their computers...We have been gifted with at least 5 senses to experience the world fully--why not utilize these gifts? Why not use them to communicate?
When I look at CVs of designers, one of the first places I scan
is if the applicant has other interests besides design. Curiosity is a good sign, because in my mind, a curious designer is an engaged designer--an observer. A curious mind is capable of asking the pertinent questions. I know they are able to focus on something fun or challenging. Which is exactly the type of observational skill needed for truly inspired and inspirational design.
Once you have the correct mindset, the openness to observe all the stimuli that expresses the world around you, the synthesis
of all this data—the interpretation is next – always the more difficult part. It takes a certain sense of wisdom to succinctly fashion clearly directed meaning from seemingly random bits
of information. Providing direction or describing the themes
of a design usually takes a lot of experimentation and guidance.
Often the criteria is very strictly determined by the needs of the client, but even in the strictest parameters, truly inspired design seeks to discover the most creative interpretation.
Experience is the best stronghold for ideas. Passion for a certain activity can result in refreshingly new solutions in design.
The flash of inspiration can strike at any given moment.
We cannot deny the hand of exterior inspiration at the development of S’cargo, a snail-shaped Japanese utility vehicle
or the curiously-shaped, environmentally-sustainable building
in London affectionately called “The Gherkin”.
Communication comes from training and a willingness to work for the message. i.e. sometimes the workflow can be stated, but if you keep the mindset to do your best, it will show in the work.
And that is truly inspired.
Faith describes having the faith in your abilities even in the face
of deadlines. Inspired design can merely be working hard to do your best even after the umpteenth revision.
Cooperation describes more about a willingness of a team
to expect the best from each other and to support one another
to try something different if it’s looking the same.
I believe designers are often unable to find inspiration in design because they weren’t shown how to look for it or are undetermined to truly look for it. But with an open mind
and a little determination to always observe and communicate
in an honest way, design inspiration is where you see, touch,
hear, smell and taste it. |
