Design Quotes + Their Meanings/Explanations

"Design quotes" refers to a collection of insightful and inspiring statements about the world of design. These quotes are often shared among designers and enthusiasts to draw inspiration, gain perspective, and reflect on the importance of design in our daily lives. They encapsulate the essence of design principles, creativity, problem-solving, and the impact of design on society.

Design quotes serve as a reminder that design is not just about aesthetics but also about functionality, user experience, and innovation. They encourage designers to think outside the box, challenge norms, and push boundaries to create meaningful and impactful designs.

Below are various design quotes with their meanings/explanations;

“A purpose, an intention, a design, strikes everywhere even the careless, the most stupid thinker.” – David Hume

There is a certain power in words. They can evoke emotion in those who hear them, and they can motivate people to do things. Words can be used for good or for evil, but they always have the potential to change someone's life. That's why it's so important to use words wisely. In order to be successful, you need a purpose. You need an intention. And you need a design.

“Every great design begins with an even better story.” – Lorinda Mamo

Design isn't just a way to make something look pretty. It's also a way to tell a story. This is especially true in the world of web design, where every element and interaction has a purpose and contributes to the overall user experience. Great web design starts with understanding the user and their needs. Once you know what they want, it's important to find a way to communicate that through your design. And finally, great web designs are always accompanied by an amazing story.

“I would think twice about designing stuff for which there was no need and which didn’t endure.” – Robin Day

Designing things for which there was no need and which did not endure is a common mistake that many people make. This is because they are not thinking about the long term implications of their actions. If someone is designing something for short term gain, it is more likely that this design will not last. This can be detrimental to the person or organization who made the decision to make this design.

“Content precedes design. Design in the absence of content is not design, it’s decoration.” – Jeffrey Zeldman

Design is the process of creating a layout, graphics, or functional features for a product, website, or other type of presentation. The goal of design is to create an appealing and functional product. This can be achieved by understanding the purpose of the product and its target audience. Once the purpose is clear, designers can begin to create a design that meets those needs. In many cases, content precedes design; without content, designs are nothing more than decoration.

“It’s through mistakes that you actually can grow. You have to get bad in order to get good.” – Paula Scher

Mistakes are an inevitable part of life. They are a chance for you to learn and grow. You have to get bad in order to get good. You have to try things that are different and challenging in order to find your passion and true potential. You have to take risks in order to open yourself up to new opportunities. And lastly, you must never give up on yourself. These are all lessons that you can learn from your mistakes.

“Design is so critical it should be on the agenda of every meeting in every single department.” – Tom Peters

Design is critical for every department in any organization. In fact, design should be on the agenda of every meeting in every single department. Not only does design help to improve the user experience, but it also helps to increase efficiency and clarity within an organization. By including design in all meetings, departments will be able to work together more effectively and create better products.

“If you do good work for good clients, it will lead to other good work for other good clients. If you do bad work for bad clients, it will lead to other bad work for other bad clients.” – Michael Bierut

 In the world of business, there are few things more important than finding and maintaining good client relationships. If you can keep your clients happy and satisfied, they are likely to refer you to others and commission future work from you.

“Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future.” – Robert L. Peters

The design has the ability to create culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future. The power of design is evident in how it can shape people's lives and their perceptions of the world around them. By understanding this power, we can use design to create positive change in our societies.

“Good design is all about making other designers feel like idiots because that idea wasn’t theirs.” – Frank Chimero

Design is a process of problem-solving and often involves collaborating with others. However, one thing that makes good design stand out is the ability to make other designers feel like they don't know what they're doing. This is often done by taking something that they think is their own idea and completely dismantling it until there's nothing left. This can be a difficult process, but it's essential for creating something that people will love.

“Where you innovate, how you innovate, and what you innovate are design problems.” – Tim Brown

Design problems are the root of innovation. They can be found at every stage of the design process, starting with problem identification and ending with product realization. The way you innovate is also a design problem. In order to innovate effectively, you must have a clear understanding of how you design and what problems you face when innovating.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong with white space. I don’t think it’s a problem to have a blank wall.” – Annie Leibovitz

There is nothing wrong with white space. It's not a problem to have a blank wall. In fact, it can be a great way to separate different areas of your home and create an overall design scheme. Whether you're looking to add a sense of emptiness or create more visual depth, white space can be the perfect solution.

“Get rid of everything that is not essential to making a point.” – Christoph Niemann

Too often, we allow extraneous thoughts and behaviors to get in the way of our productivity. The key to successful living is identifying what is essential and removing everything else from our lives that does not contribute to the main goal. This can be a difficult process, but it is one that can be greatly aided by setting specific goals and working towards them systematically.

“A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Creating something truly perfect takes a lot of hard work and dedication. It can be frustrating when you feel like you're never able to reach your goal, but in the end, it's worth it to find that elusive level of excellence. There's a certain feeling of satisfaction that comes from knowing that you've created something that is both beautiful and functional, and as a designer, it's your duty to strive for this level of perfection.

“The public is more familiar with bad design than good design. It is, in effect, conditioned to prefer bad design, because that is what it lives with. The new becomes threatening, the old reassuring.” – Paul Rand

Bad design is everywhere. We are more familiar with it than we are with good design, because that is what we live with. The new becomes threatening, the old reassuring. The public has conditioned itself to prefer bad design, because that is all it has ever seen. Good design is often too expensive or time-consuming, and so it remains a rarity.

“Any product that needs a manual to work is broken.” – Elon Musk

Many products that people think need a manual to work are in fact broken. These products may not be able to do the job that they were intended for or may not function at all. Many of these products are sold by companies as part of a package deal, and unless the user is aware that a manual is necessary, they may not be able to use the product properly.

“Design is as much an act of spacing as an act of marking.” – Ellen Lupton

Design is as much an act of spacing as an act of marking. In order to create a well-balanced and organized space, designers must consider how different elements - from textures to color - interact with one another. By carefully choosing which details to include and how to position them, designers can create a space that is both visually appealing and functional.

“Design is not a single object or dimension. Design is messy and complex.” – Natasha Jen

Design is not a single object or dimension. The design is messy and complex. It involves understanding how people interact with the world, and it constantly evolves as new technologies are adopted. A designer's job is never finished, and they must constantly learn and improve their skills to stay ahead of the curve.

“Design is intelligence made visible.” – Alina Wheeler

Design is intelligence made visible. It is the process of creating a product or service that meets the needs of the customer while also fulfilling the requirements of the designer. Whether it is a physical object or a digital interface, good design is an essential part of any successful project. A well-designed product or service looks and feels thoughtfully created, from the layout of the page to the way in which each element interacts with the others.

“The function of design is letting design function.” – Micha Commerce

Design is the process of creating a desired effect in an intended medium. It has been said that design is not about what something looks like, but about how it works. The function of design is to let design function. This means that the designer must be aware of the user's context and intent, and create a solution that meets both needs. There are many different types of design, each with its own set of challenges and rewards.

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” – Steve Jobs

Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. The way a product or service functions is also part of the design process. What users see, hear, and feel when using a product or service is just as important as how it looks or feels. This is why effective user interface (UI) design is essential for any business. UI designers need to understand how users interact with a product or service, and then create a design that makes the user experience enjoyable and effective.

“There’s design, and there’s art. Good design is total harmony. There’s no better designer than nature – if you look at a branch or a leaf, it’s perfect. It’s all function. Art is different. It’s about emotion. It’s about suffering and beauty – but mostly suffering!” – Diane von Furstenberg

People have always been drawn to different types of art for different reasons. Some people appreciate the beauty and intricacy of classical art, while others may find the anarchic and raw elements of street art fascinating. While there is no single right or wrong way to enjoy art, good design is often considered to be one of the most perfect forms of art out there. Good design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and efficient.

“The aim of being a good designer is to have an influence. If you design furniture or lifestyle, you should influence the way people evolve globally. It’s good to have an influence.” – Olivier Theyskens

Designers have always been in demand, with good reason. As the creative minds behind the latest trends in fashion, home decor, and lifestyle, they have a profound impact on the way people evolve globally. Whether their designs are embraced or shunned, designers have the ability to change people’s lives for the better or for the worse. With that said, it’s important that they aim to have as much influence as possible.

“I don’t start with a design objective, I start with a communication objective. I feel my project is successful if it communicates what it is supposed to communicate.” – Mike Davidson

Design objectives can be found in any number of design projects, but communication objectives are often overlooked. They are the key to ensuring that a project communicates what it is supposed to communicate and meets its goals.

“Designing is a matter of concentration. You go deep into what you want to do. It’s about intensive research, really. The concentration is warm and intimate and like the fire inside the earth – intense but not distorted. You can go to a place, and really feel it in your heart. It’s actually a beautiful feeling.” – Peter Zumthor

Designing is a matter of concentration. You go deep into what you want to do. It's about intensive research, really. The concentration is warm and intimate and like the fire inside the earth. It ignites your passion and makes you feel alive. You can't help but be absorbed in your work, lost in thought.

“Engineering, medicine, business, architecture and painting are concerned not with the necessary but with the contingent – not with how things are but with how they might be – in short, with design.” – Herbert A. Simon

The discipline of design has long been associated with the arts, but its roots can be found in engineering, medicine, business and architecture. In short, design is concerned not with how things are but with how they might be. This is why it is so important, not just for the arts but for all disciplines, to be able to think about and explore possibilities.

“Styles come and go. Good design is a language, not a style.” – Massimo Vignelli

Design has come to be seen as a style. It's something that is passed down from one generation to the next, and each designer has their own way of doing things. But design isn't just a style- it's a language. And like any language, good design is adaptable and can be adapted to new surroundings and new technologies. So while certain design styles may come and go, good design will always be around- it's just a matter of learning it!

“You can have an art experience in front of a Rembrandt … or in front of a piece of graphic design.” – Stefan Sagmeister

If you're looking for an art experience that is both unique and interactive, you should check out the options available in front of a Rembrandt or a piece of graphic design. Painting and drawing have been around for centuries, but the advent of photography has made them accessible to more people than ever before. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the artistry of a Rembrandt or explore the creativity of a graphic designer, there is something for everyone at these exhibitions.

“Design must reflect the practical and aesthetic in business but above all… good design must primarily serve people.” – Thomas J. Watson

Design must reflect the practical and aesthetic of business but above all it should primarily serve people. People are the primary focus of good design, as it should make their lives easier and more enjoyable. Good design is not a frivolous pursuit; it can improve people's lives in practical ways. It should be thoughtful, considerate, and efficient. Good design also needs to be visually appealing. It should be able to communicate information effectively, both visually and aurally.

“In my opinion, no single design is apt to be optimal for everyone.” – Donald Norman

There is no single design that is apt to be optimal for everyone. Some people prefer a simple and minimalistic design, while others may prefer a more complex and ornate design. What might be perfect for one person may not be the best option for another. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what they want in a design.

“Design adds value faster than it adds costs.” – Joel Spolsky

Design has always been a key factor for companies to consider when making products. However, with the ever-growing demand for quality and unique products, the cost of design has begun to outweigh its value. In fact, some research has shown that design can add more value than costs within a certain timeframe. By utilizing design thinking tools and processes, businesses can achieve a quick return on investment for their designs while also ensuring high-quality products.

“Accessible design is good design.” – Steve Ballmer

The concept of accessible design is not new. In fact, it has been around for quite some time. However, the term has taken on a more prominent role in recent years as more and more people become aware of the importance of making products and websites accessible to everyone. There are a number of reasons why making products and websites accessible is important. For one, it can help people with disabilities access the information and products they need.

“Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it.” – Salvador Dali

Perfectionism is a mental illness that can prevent people from achieving their goals. It's defined as an excessively obsessive and rigid attitude towards perfection or accuracy. This can lead to anxiety, stress and depression. But contrary to popular belief, you won't ever achieve perfection.

“The more I deal with the work as something that is my own, as something that is personal, the more successful it is.” – Marian Bantjes

The work-life balance has become a hot topic over the past few years. More people are realizing the importance of having a healthy work-life balance, and are looking for ways to improve their situation. The key to having a successful work-life balance is to view your work as your own personal project. When you view your work this way, you are more likely to be successful in balancing it with your other responsibilities.

“Good design is like a refrigerator – when it works, no one notices, but when it doesn’t, it sure stinks.” – Irene Au

 Design is important in any industry, but especially in the tech world. Without good design, products can fall short in their appeal to users and may not be successful. When it comes to technology, one of the most important aspects of design is how easy it is to use. If a product is difficult to use, people are less likely to use it. This is why good design is essential in products like smartphones and laptops.

“I strive for two things in design: simplicity and clarity. Great design is born of those two things.” – Lindo Leader

In design, simplicity and clarity are two key ingredients that can make a piece of work look great. Great design is born of those two things and strives to be both simple and clear. When designing something, it’s important to keep in mind the user or viewer who will be seeing it. They need to be able to understand what you’re presenting them and how to use it.

“Everything is designed. Few things are designed well.” – Brian Reed

Design is everything. It's what makes our world go round, and it's what we use to communicate with each other. It's how we craft the simplest of products into something that can be loved and used by millions. But design isn't easy. Few things are designed well- and that's why so many products end up falling short.

“The role of the designer is that of a good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.” – Charles Eames

Designers should be good hosts, anticipating the needs of their guests. By thinking about their needs and making sure that the design meets them, designers can create a positive experience for everyone involved. This is why it is important for designers to be attentive to detail and keep their guests in mind at all times.

“Design is a constant challenge to balance comfort with luxe, the practical with the desirable.” – Donna Karan

Designers have to balance comfort and luxury in their creations, while also considering the practical aspects of their products. Creating something that is both comfortable and desirable can be a difficult task, but it is one that designers continue to strive for. One way designers are able to achieve this goal is by incorporating features like plush seats or soft fabrics into their designs. These types of features make products more comfortable to use, while also making them look more luxurious.

“The alternative to good design is always bad design. There is no such thing as no design.” – Adam Judge

Many people think that there is no such thing as bad design, and that all design is good. However, this is not the case. There are times when using bad design can be more effective than using good design. Bad design can be more efficient and cheaper to create, and it can be more effective in communicating a message. The key to good design is being aware of the different factors that can influence how a design will be perceived.

“Art is to be free. Design is to fix.” – Kanye West

As an artist, you should feel free to express yourself without restriction. As a designer, you should be focused on fixing problems and making things look good. This is why design is important; it helps to create a cohesive environment where artists can flourish.

“How well we communicate is determined not by how well we say things, but how well we are understood.” – Andrew Grove

Communication is key to success in any field. Many people think that good communication means being able to say things accurately and eloquently, but that's not always the case. In fact, good communication often comes down to how well we are understood. Understanding someone means understanding their motivations and their emotions. If we can't understand someone, then it's very difficult to have a productive conversation with them. This is why it's so important to be able to understand people well.

“You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” – Walt Disney

If you have ever entertained the notion of designing and creating your own paradise, think again. It takes people to make that dream a reality. Paradise requires hard work, creativity, and a whole lot of guts - qualities not all of us possess. But if you want to live in your own little slice of heaven, it's worth taking the plunge. All it takes is a little bit of imagination and some dedication.

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou

Creativity is a valuable skill, and it can't be used up. The more you use it, the more you have. The problem is that many people use creativity too much, and they don't realize it. This can lead to problems because they can't come up with ideas on their own. If you're not using your creativity, you're losing out on a valuable asset.

“The urge for good design is the same as the urge to go on living.” – Harry Bertoia

 Design is a way of making something that can make someone's life better. It can be seen in everything from cars to websites to furniture. There is something about a well-made product that makes people happy. It's a way of creating beauty and hope in the world.

“I want to make beautiful things, even if nobody cares, as opposed to ugly things. That’s my intent.” – Saul Bass

The sentiment is nevertheless very typical of artists, who often put their creativity ahead of any practical considerations. Even though art may not always be appreciated, artists feel compelled to create regardless because they believe in their own talent and what they can achieve.

“There are three responses to a piece of design – yes, no, and WOW! Wow is the one to aim for.” – Milton Glaser

Design can evoke a variety of responses in people. Some like it and some don't, but the most common response is usually "yes." However, there are three other responses that designers should aim for: "no," "wow," and "crazy cool!" These responses are more than mere compliments; they indicate that the design has successfully communicated its message. When designing something, it's important to remember that not everyone will respond in the same way.

“I’m not like most designers, who have to set sail on an exotic getaway to get inspired. Most of the time, it’s on my walk to work, or sitting in the subway and seeing something random or out of context.” – Alexander Wang

Designers have to get out of the city sometimes in order to find inspiration. For some, it might be a walk to work, while others might take advantage of random things they see on their commute. There are many places designers can go to get inspired and many different ways to do so. Some people like to travel and see new sights, while others prefer staying in their comfort zone and looking at things around them.

“Design, whether it’s on your body or in your home, is the same thing. It’s mixing different colors, different textures, and unexpected patterns – elements that you wouldn’t often put together in an interesting way.” – Blake Lively

Design is the same thing no matter where you look. You can see it in the way different colors are mixed, the textures used, and the patterns created. It's a way to mix things up and create something that is unexpected. It's all about creating something that looks good and makes people feel good.

“The artist in me cries out for design.” – Robert Frost

Design is one of the most important aspects of any creative project. Good design can make a project look beautiful and flow together nicely, while bad design can make a project look sloppy and unorganized.

“Design transcends agenda. It speaks to the politics of optimism.” – Paul Bennett

Design transcends agenda. This has been a message that designers have preached for years, and one that is more relevant than ever. With the rise of populist movements throughout the world, it is more important than ever to emphasize the power of design. The ability of design to transcend political agendas gives us hope in difficult times.

Other Quotes

Desire Quotes

Determination Quotes

Devil Quotes

Diamond Quotes