What is a good design?
I am sure we have all read a few definitions of good design; they all sound perfect and motivational, don’t they? Some of them are really good. But I wanted something practical, something that was easy to explain. And that is why I came up with some basic rules (not definitions) to make sure I was on the right path.
Adaptive.
Not only to the different media where the adaptation and resizing must work but also to how they can evolve and adapt along the path.
Different.
With all these messages around us, no one wants to be similar to another (we see around 4–10,000 advertising messages per day if you live in a big city and rarely remember any). It is not necessary to discover something “new”; sometimes it is good enough that the message is recognized and is different from the competition.
Focused.
Consistency is the key. A brand is not just a logo; it has defined elements that they must stay focused on. Using a logo as the only recognizable element will not get you far.
Aesthetic.
We are humans after all. It does not matter what the given aesthetic is, but it must be loved by your target group.
We can describe design by its parts—color, shape, form, typography—everything visual, or by the end result—a poster, a book, a website, a business card. But in fact the design is craft with emotions.
Don’t miss the next essay. Signup for our newsletter
⸻ Newsletter signup
Work For Free
Designers work for free questions reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of creative value. The assumption that creativity costs nothing persists despite decades of professional design practice, leaving designers work for free situations fraught with complexity.
The Gap
Midva represents the critical middle layer that's vanishing from design studios across Slovenia and beyond. The gap between junior and senior designers has become a chasm, leaving no space for proper mentorship and craft development. This midva phenomenon threatens the very foundation of how design knowledge transfers between generations.
Everything beautiful is analog
Analog design philosophy argues that our most meaningful creative experiences exist beyond digital screens. In an era where designers spend countless hours staring at monitors, the tactile process of creating physical products offers something irreplaceable. This philosophy suggests that true design mastery comes through hands-on collaboration with craftsmen and materials.
Process
Design process methodology determines whether projects reach their full potential or fall short of expectations. Most studios rush through steps, but the real value lies in embracing loops, rethinking solutions, and learning from craftspeople throughout the design process methodology journey.
A healthy brand
Sustainable brand design faces a critical challenge as greenwashing transforms meaningful environmental commitment into empty marketing buzzwords. True sustainable branding demands authentic local production strategies rather than recyclable plastic promises that fool consumers into believing harmful practices are acceptable.