Let’s talk about my favorite part of design.
It’s not the process.
Not the typography.
Not the software.
Not even the final finished piece.
It’s the idea.
The idea behind a project is where it all begins, and a strong idea can carry the entire design. The best ideas aren’t always the most complex ones. They usually just have the strongest concept. A simple visual with a smart message takes an ordinary concept and makes it memorable. I am always thinking about the idea behind a design when I see it out in the world. They seem almost effortless when they are so great, and sometimes they are so clever that they make you stop and think.
Here are five random, but specific ideas that I’ve seen recently that I think are genius.
- Advertisements on the bathroom stall
- Logos that include a second symbol within the negative space
- Designs that form an image entirely from type
- Product packaging that adds to the experience
- Designs that interact with their environment
Great ideas are everywhere if you start looking for them. Every time I see an awesome poster, clever logo, or creative package, it reminds me why I love this field. Design is not just about making things look good. It’s about taking a great idea and bringing it to life.