2021: Creating a Lexicon of Future

D is for Design

The purpose of design is much more closely linked to strategy than aesthetics. Design is the process of intentionally creating something while simultaneously considering it’s objective (purpose), function, economics, sociocultural factors, AND aesthetics. Sometimes design is ugly (intentionally), and sometimes it’s beautiful, but when done well, it’s always on purpose. ~ Designing with Purpose

Redesigning the World for Inclusion

People — Human Centered Design

Human-centred design is an approach to interactive systems development that aims to make systems usable and useful by focusing on the users, their needs and requirements, and by applying human factors/ergonomics, and usability knowledge and techniques. This approach enhances effectiveness and efficiency, improves human well-being, user satisfaction, accessibility and sustainability; and counteracts possible adverse effects of use on human health, safety and performance. ~ Human Centered Design

Places — Universal Design

Universal design is the design of buildings, products or environments to make them accessible to all people, regardless of age, disability or other factors.

The term “universal design” was coined by the architect Ronald Mace to describe the concept of designing all products and the built environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in life.[1] However, it was the work of Selwyn Goldsmith, author of Designing for the Disabled (1963), who really pioneered the concept of free access for people with disabilities. His most significant achievement was the creation of the dropped curb — now a standard feature of the built environment. ~ Universal Design

Purpose — Social Design

Social design is the application of design methodologies in order to tackle complex human issues, placing the social issues as the priority. Historically social design has been mindful of the designer’s role and responsibility in society, and of the use of the design process to bring about social change. Social design as a discipline has been practiced primarily in two different models, as either the application of the Human Centered Design Methodology in the social sector or governmental sector, or sometimes is synonymously practiced by designers who venture into social entrepreneurship. ~ Social Design