#art124-201

After reading “Design Thinking”, I would describe design as the process of creating an efficient product while incorporating visual aesthetics to capture the eyes of potential consumers. This can be created technologically, mechanically, visually, digitally, etc.

Coming to this conclusion of what design really is, and the content we’ve learned thus far has been very interesting. Beginning the course, I did not really know the difference between design and art - and combined both into the same category. I am most familiar with graphic design from my freelance work, creating digital content that captures the viewer’s attention and relays information about their product/business - but never took a deeper dive into what design really is, instead just focused on the aesthetic of it - the colors, shapes, even psychology of design to discover what bests captures the attention of the viewer. I think that being able to understand what design actually is gives me a new respect for it, and also a new way of thinking. 

“Empathy. They can imagine the world from multiple perspectives – those of colleagues, clients, end users, and customers (current and prospective). By taking a “people first” approach, design thinkers can imagine solutions that are inherently desirable and meet explicit or latent needs. Great design thinkers observe the world in minute detail. They notice things that others do not and use their insights to inspire innovation.” (HBR, Brown, 2008)

When discussing design thinking, I thought this was a very interesting concept.

I find empathy to be the most relatable way of this type of thinking, both in products I use, and in what I create.

Noticing the little things that others may miss, while being able to reach a wide audience by offering an emotional connection along with the product is something I find to be the most important aspect of design thinking.

When I started my clothing brand, empathizing with our community and promoting a lifestyle/movement/new way of thinking, while offering emotional support was more important than the product (clothing) itself. Building a community is much more valuable and important than a one-time product. There is a level of support that follows, that I believe only empathetic thinkers can truly gain, as they are most relatable. Furthermore, I don’t think you can teach someone empathy. You can learn how to be more analytical, you can work on your optimism, you can ask more questions to inspire a new direction, and you can build a team to inspire collaboration - but with empathy you either have it or you don’t, which is why I find it to be extremely valuable - especially in the design world. 

I find many clothing brands are transitioning into this way of thinking, some brands that come to mind are Lonely Ghost, The Mayfair Group, and Madhappy. 

These brands go above and beyond when discussing empathetic design thinking - incorporating experimentalism and collaboration as well. 

I thought the readings/lecture/content this week was very insightful and offered a new perspective!