The Dangers of Settling for 'Good' in Design

In today's design landscape, the allure of mediocrity is growing stronger, prompting creatives to question the very essence of their work. Aporva Baxi, co-founder of DixonBaxi, sheds light on the phenomenon of good design becoming the norm, and how the pursuit of originality is being stifled by an accumulation of 'reasonable decisions.'

A Shift Towards the Middle

As new design tools emerge, promising convenience and speed, the industry is witnessing a paradoxical trend: while accessibility increases, originality seems to be dwindling. Baxi points out that the more familiar designs become, the broader the middle ground appears, effectively sidelining innovative ideas. "The more the range of outputs shrinks, the wider the middle grows to hold them all," he notes. This shift can lead to a sense of numbness in the creative process, where professionalism is mistaken for compromise.

Embracing Disruption

To combat this complacency, Baxi emphasizes the importance of disrupting established norms and breaking free from safe references. His agency has adopted the SuperFutures initiative, allowing team members to explore creative projects without client constraints. This endeavor fosters a mindset that prioritizes wonder and experimentation over the pursuit of perfection. Baxi asserts, "Every recipe you’re willing to disrupt… moves you a little further out," encouraging creatives to embrace their instincts and explore new territories.

The Quest for Meaning

Ultimately, Baxi believes that true design should evoke emotion and provoke thought. The journey of creating should not solely focus on the end product but also on the process itself. "The joy of making is not arriving at the answer, but staying with the question long enough for something alive to emerge," he concludes. As designers navigate this widening middle ground, they must remain vigilant in their pursuit of authenticity and innovation.

Source: www.itsnicethat.com