What is Good Design?

We all know those, grand in gesture and concept. Those that demand recognition and attention. The kind that are an experience by themselves. I have a more humble definition in mind. Good design is similar to sound health.

We are reminded of our bodies’ existence only when we have aches and pains, cuts and bruises. We do not feel our body when we are in good health. In a sense, it disappears from our consciousness.

Similarly, good design removes the surrounding from our consciousness. In a well designed space, we do not stump our toes or feel a draught or squint our eyes. We comfortably turn incognizant about the brick and mortar surrounding. Good design solves problems before they surface. In a sense, good design is ‘lack of experience’.