Design: Expression vs Impression
In the realms of design thinking, User Centered thinking has a critical mass. But when we see the likes of Fashion design, are the products really for the user only? How much of the designers thought is a part of such a thinking? Its this thin line between "make for self" vs "make for other" that brings me to thoughts.
Expression in its own periphery has most of the times been associated with Art. An artist creates his art based on his own expression of his feelings or perspectives towards the world. While on the other side there is Impression. The process of making something to "wow" the other...or impress the other. Now this other could be a single person (like your wife or girlfriend). Or it could be a group of similar people, like we call in traditional design, User Group. So where does design stand? Do we call something created towards self expression as only art? Or if that same thing can be accepted by the society in a useful manner be called design?
But again with this we delve into more typical question of "What is Design?" which somehow leads to no particular answer. Because if we see that in a broader sense while defining such a definition of design, i would fall into the same thinking process, should i express what i feel is design (based on my personal experiences) or should i say something to make a meaning for the others. However its my blog, so its more of an expressive space.
I feel expression in design is a critical component. Its what adds that identity to the design. Such an expression need not be just an individuals effort, but can also be a group/social design effort. Collaborative outlook of expression of a bunch of people. Lack of expression can create an assembly of components that work, but may not achieve an identity for the work product.
While on the other side, design cannot do without "impression", if u are not thinking of impressing the one who may Use/Buy/Rent/Sell the design, then the design may not really make it to his heart. The person may use the design, it may be the most important design in his life. But...he will just not connect.
I guess the realms of expression and impression are very much similar to mating between living beings. Expression on one hand is very critical, because if u only impress the other, you may be at a huge loss later. While on the other hand if you dont impress the person on his/her mindset you may just not get the attention of that person in the first place.
In short expression may not have be a logical need in the design, maybe at times impression may also not be. But adding both of these to your design, makes it a natural formula for success.
But ofcourse, these are my thoughts...or should i say my expression only, if you get impressed you are welcome :)
Expression in its own periphery has most of the times been associated with Art. An artist creates his art based on his own expression of his feelings or perspectives towards the world. While on the other side there is Impression. The process of making something to "wow" the other...or impress the other. Now this other could be a single person (like your wife or girlfriend). Or it could be a group of similar people, like we call in traditional design, User Group. So where does design stand? Do we call something created towards self expression as only art? Or if that same thing can be accepted by the society in a useful manner be called design?
But again with this we delve into more typical question of "What is Design?" which somehow leads to no particular answer. Because if we see that in a broader sense while defining such a definition of design, i would fall into the same thinking process, should i express what i feel is design (based on my personal experiences) or should i say something to make a meaning for the others. However its my blog, so its more of an expressive space.
I feel expression in design is a critical component. Its what adds that identity to the design. Such an expression need not be just an individuals effort, but can also be a group/social design effort. Collaborative outlook of expression of a bunch of people. Lack of expression can create an assembly of components that work, but may not achieve an identity for the work product.
While on the other side, design cannot do without "impression", if u are not thinking of impressing the one who may Use/Buy/Rent/Sell the design, then the design may not really make it to his heart. The person may use the design, it may be the most important design in his life. But...he will just not connect.
I guess the realms of expression and impression are very much similar to mating between living beings. Expression on one hand is very critical, because if u only impress the other, you may be at a huge loss later. While on the other hand if you dont impress the person on his/her mindset you may just not get the attention of that person in the first place.
In short expression may not have be a logical need in the design, maybe at times impression may also not be. But adding both of these to your design, makes it a natural formula for success.
But ofcourse, these are my thoughts...or should i say my expression only, if you get impressed you are welcome :)
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