Good Design is Simpler than You Think

Someone has defined innovation this way: “Fail fast, fail forward, and don’t fail the same way twice.” We always add: “And write everything down.”

Field Notes makes quality pocket notebooks that several team members regularly use to keep track of to-dos and good ideas. A recent release highlights the work of Dieter Rams, a globally influential designer, and includes Rams’ ten principles of good design.

Lead Beyond designs research-based human development experiences for the good of everybody, everywhere. We find these principles to be applicable more broadly to the field of human-centered design, which includes both tangible products and intangible spaces and experiences. They’re worth reflecting on (and Field Notes is worth checking out if you’re unfamiliar):

1. Good design is innovative.

2. Good design makes a product useful.

3. Good design is aesthetic.

4. Good design makes a product understandable.

5. Good design is unobtrusive.

6. Good design is honest.

7. Good design is long-lasting.

8. Good design is thorough down to the last detail.

9. Good design is environmentally friendly.

10. Good design is as little design as possible.

Note: This post was originally published by our subsidiary, GO Innovation. It was written by our associate Rory Tyer.