Good design moves people. Great design persuades people to open their minds and experience something they have never before experienced. In that regard, it can change the way people think and have a tangible impact on the world. Good design communicates simply and clearly while simultaneously encouraging people to think about their world and the way they interact with it. Because good design often makes people think, it too must think. Good design is backed up by research, honesty and hard work. It meets any message with openness, curiosity and integrity.
Great design understands the drive toward social justice and equity throughout society. It involves good consideration of traditionally marginalized communities and does what it can to understand, support and uplift these voices and experiences. Good design does not shy away from harsh truths because good design is always honest. Good design asks good questions and seeks to provide solutions to difficult problems.
Good design seeks to be innovative while not sacrificing the intent of the message. It is restrained and always just enough. Good design is rooted in historical precedent and builds upon the work of designers past while also continuing to push the field forward. Good design is captivated with the details and thrives among grids and typeface specimens.
Most seriously though, good design incorporates the process of play. It is through the commitment to multiple iterations and the repeated use of the question "What if...?" that great design is often achieved. Great design is not afraid to be vulnerable and involves a process in which bad ideas have the space to wither and die as if they never existed. In that way, it is secretive and holds all the reasons why Comic Sans is very infrequently incorporated into successful design. Good design can be serious and sober but is most often seriously playful.
Abby Morgan is a creative professional living in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she also grew up. She has lived in Rome, Japan and Providence, Rhode Island where she earned a BFA in Illustration and a certificate in Graphic Design from Rhode Island School of Design (not concurrent). Her passions include social justice, travel, art museums, cooking, and her two chihuahuas. For inquiries, please use the contact page to reach out.
