The disruption of technological innovation
Looking at how the world changed in the past two decades we come to realize that entire industries have been disrupted by technological innovation. Which is why the use of digital design thinking as a methodology improved experiences using the latest technologies. Form no longer follows function since the introduction of the microchip. For example, if aliens could come to earth for the first time and saw a chair and a table they would immediately realize the function of those objects. However, design took a path towards digitization. Where the introduction of the microchip enabled infinite functions on a single object, like a smartphone.
The evolution of digital technologies
The evolution of digital technologies forced designers to look beyond the form and function of an object’s single dimension. It examines a multidimensional range of possibilities that can be engineered and designed. This aims to bring out an infinite number of possible functionalities. As a result, it helps us design both useful, rich and beautiful interactions on devices. Factoring in multiple screen dimensions, densities and orientations on software and hardware that keeps changing and evolving.
“Design is no longer just about form anymore but is a method of thinking that can let you to see around corners. And the high tech breakthroughs that do count today are not about speed and performance but about collaboration, conversation and co-creation.”
Bruce Nussbaum
Web designers have now evolved into something more than just pixel pushers. They learned how to craft systems rather than pages. With interfaces being merely the composition of multiple components. Design Thinking at its core is fundamentally about user empathy. So, in digital design, where users interact directly on the screen with their fingertips, we as designers always remember who is on the other side of our designs. And while physical products can be touched and interacted with, industrial designers are usually better when they design for users that hold their final products. In digital, thinking about designing products for the screen seems abstract. Whether it’s a website or an application, the final product is actually an experience rather than just an interaction with a user interface.
To help with my web design process here at Blend, we adopt certain design principles which are aligned with our way of digital thinking. Likewise, the user is always at the forefront of our web designs with the user experience being the actual final product of our work.
Digital design thinking solves problems
Design is not about how things look like, but how things work Steve Jobs said once. Invariably, design as a process addresses certain problems and situations with solutions. Design creates safer, faster, and frictionless results in our lives. It is the bridge that fills the gap between technology and humans.
Design is unanimous
Every user needs to understand the design elements intuitively, requiring almost no thinking, like engineering.
Digital design is observation and iteration
To create progress in design, is to iterate and correct course based on careful observation. Not to mention that you have to exploit any discoveries. For example, in web design, users click on a button which look like a real button, and design will exploit that knowledge to create such a button.
Digital design thinking creates for the user
Design without an objective is merely creating for design’s sake and it is then a work of art. Art is abstract and follows form, while design follows function. Artists never have the user in mind when creating art, and they love chaos and unpredictability. Web designers always think of the end user, designing functional, easy to use objects. Our aim is to simplify life, always placing themselves in the users’ shoes. And while each designer is unique, and applies a different process, the design process never conflicts with the end result.
As a specialized web design agency in Cyprus, if we can help you with your design needs, we can be reached at [email protected].
