Why Design Matters

[@atticustay1]

Design isn't just how things look, how it works is also just as much part of the design.

[@AnnekeOosterink]

Added to that, stuff like labels on medication or ballots are also designed, which can have disasterous effects when done poorly.

[@AarAalto]

There's a beautiful video of Steve Jobs unpacking this. It's amazing.

[@jameskobe1716]

@@AarAalto link ?

[@AarAalto]

James kobe kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYHJe4SjpcxosM0

[@GREATXDESIGN]

Form Follows function, Design is How we use the human mind to solve for human need. period. #DesignIsNotArt

[@BarbaraSabino1]

You guys should do a video about "beauty in the ugly". There are several works of art (music, paintings, buildings) that are so terrifying, sad and ugly, in a sublime way, that makes them absolutely beautiful.

[@Rififi50]

I wouldn't say 'design' is a _posh_ word and it is not only used for how 'stuff _looks'_ but also for how stuff is _arranged_. So the world should be well-designed because in addition to what you said, it also helps that stuff is the 'best version of itself'.

[@morrisalanisette9067]

But there's another thing that makes no sense to me about design. to me, most of the time beautiful things aren't designed, but rather just came to be that way through time. To me, my most memorable parts of anything are the parts that time affected it. When I think about my childhood home, I think about the imperfections like some aspect of an object that is worn or broken in some way, or the knot in the wood of a bookcase that looks like a strange dog face. In my opinion I don't remember designs, but rather what life has done to the designs that makes it particular. The mishapeness of an old book. I remember the particular creases it has more than whatever the design is on the cover. I also like the way things 'are' without having been designed by anyone. Like how things pile up in some particular way, my mother's mess of a spice rack. These things are in my memory and affect me emotionally more than someone consciously designing something.

[@DangerousRetard3]

Again, great video as always, School of Life. But I would like to note one thing. The loud sound effects can become a bit distracting, I suggest you alter your 'sound-design' for future videos to ensure a better viewing experience. Just a bit of constructive criticism. Naturally, I don't want to offend you in any way. Keep up the great work!

[@b3blueblue]

I thought I am the only one who is bother by too much sound effects. I also hope that the Alain's voice be made a bit louder. Its too soft... Forgive me, but for non-English like me (and my students), we could hardly 'catch' what Alain is saying. Thanks.

[@noyboy125]

I agree completely with the points you make, however visual is just one aspect. One must design with visual, functional and structural integrity. Many even add on the component of environmental integrity. A great designer makes statements and adds to their environment by designing. Furthermore I would say that design is more of a verb than a noun. It is the act of arranging elements to achieve a particular purpose. The purpose may be to look good, but many purposes are much more subtle. Love the videos though, and would love to see you guys do one on the great thought leaders in design such as Charles/Ray Eames, William McDonough and especially Bucky Fuller.

[@ctrlh5419]

2:02 made me chuckle way too hard.

[@Ardianax]

Good Grief me also haha i did not expect that

[@Mariofan7]

I agree, and it's easy to see how people care about design even now: there's still a love for vintage objects and styles, things that may be not as useful as in the past, but still look charming

[@PizzaPlatypus]

The bit at the end was especially interesting, the idea that the design we enjoy is because we associate it most with characteristics we appreciate seems rather accurate and interesting, hadn't really thought of it that way before, thank you.

[@matejvinko4644]

There is a whole concept of equigenesis evolving around our surroundings and its effect on our mental health/state. It basically states that the environment we live in has a profound effect on our wellbeing that is unrelated to our socioeconomic status. And this has been tested with solid methodological approach. Professor Rich Mitchell has done some work on that.

[@trumenbukowski804]

I'm glad that I came across this channel. Your videos have made me see the world in a new way, and a better way. Each video is unique and it never feels like the ideas are stale. Keep up the good work! I'll keep watching!

[@juedbe]

Good piece, guys, Though I have to admit to being slightly disappointed that you chose to focus solely on the aesthetic aspect of design and did not explore the hugely important role design plays in defining processes and ultimately being responsible for the success or failure in the fundamental workings of the designed object. For example, well-designed bridges don't easily collapse; well-designed government websites make it easier for more people to gain access to important information and vital benefits; well-designed automobiles are safer and result in less fatalities, etc. I feel that the general public holds a perception of design as nothing more than "lipstick on a pig" or a "skin" on a finished product, when in reality, it is the attention paid to design (or the lack thereof) that ultimately makes or breaks said product; makes it work or not work. Thank you guys, and keep it up I really enjoy your work.

[@katherinewright5919]

This is really interesting but I would argue that there is something else we experience when we look at 'good' design, and that is a sense of something being just right, or 'fitting' - which might be a result of alignment, proportion, complementary colours etc, along with how it fits into its space - relates to what is around it - and how it does its job. This experience is what leads to us feeling calm, joyful or whatever.

[@MustafaKulle]

Very good video. If only clients took all this into consideration before hiring designers.

[@sombrashibe]

Mustafa Kulle You are so right!

[@ThePeaceableKingdom]

I know a university library whose portico is supported by massive 3 story tall brick columns you cant put your arms around that seem to say with Ozymandias, "Look upon these works, ye puny, and despair!" - the opposite of the message any library should give, and even more so a university library! Design matters. I love all the retro objects you used as illustrations. (Some I not only love but actually like.) They said something to their age, like tail fins on automobiles. Messages many can still decode; it meant 'the Future', when the future was something one looked forward to instead of dreading. Ah well, there's nothing so corny as last year's sophistication, said Irving Berlin...

[@xXSellizeXx]

Wow. 9 views. I've never caught the view count that low. I oddly feel proud.

[@chaelisa2763]

Check now mate

[@silentguy5875]

Design in the more cosmetic sense doesn't madder to everyone. I'm stood on top a mountains and I'm felt the same way I do know siting on my couch.

[@jenniferphan2756]

I agree and appreciate with most of what is said in this video, although defining design as "a posh word for thinking a lot about how stuff looks" is WRONG! This is the mistake that most people make. The average person always associates with design as just visual aesthetics but this isn't true because design is actually about human EXPERIENCE (think about industrial, interactive, systems or sound design). Design always has a purpose as well (this is the difference between art and design) to that the design must solve a problem. For example, a building that is DESIGNED for people in wheelchairs - it can be as beautiful as buildings go, but if it doesn't serve the function (to accommodate the person in the wheelchair's experience with this building) it is bad design. A website designer designing for an online store must design the website with easy navigation to turn more viewers to customers - if navigation is difficult, it is bad design. Design is important because it is the method we use to IMPROVE THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE and solve specific problems.

[@EJericjackson]

you should do a video regarding fashion, and the transition we have taken from 100 years ago, to the disgusting market of fast fashion

[@quietthomas]

There is no good and bad design, there is only design. That is the nature of aesthetics. ....there is however, intentional or unintentional aesthetics.

[@karlfletcher7217]

I have a 'goth' friend who surrounds himself with nasty, evil looking things, but he is a happy, intelligent chap and is very good company. How so?

[@yukiandkanamekuran]

Karl Fletcher one man's trash is another's treasure. Haha this comment is old, but perhaps your friend enjoys the aesthetic of those items.

[@ThePrikoki]

What a gem this channel is :) Lovely work guys! I'm sure it take a lot of resources to get to this finite product. Congrats!

[@AarAalto]

Right! I love this channel. It's so informative and brilliant in its scope of subjects. I just downloaded the app and I'm hooked!

[@2feetofclay]

The Hula woman lamp was actually really good Kitch...love these videos..so well designed.

[@AliRahmoun]

i dont know why..but i felt the need to clarify that @00:37 its Dieter Rams who appears.. He is a German industrial designer closely associated with the consumer products company Braun and the Functionalist school of industrial design, his work was also a big inspiration for Apple's industrial designer Jonathan Ive.. i have to say that i love this kind of attention to details in this Channel's Videos :)

[@AliRahmoun]

***** Awesome.. I'll be looking forward to it :)

[@chocdesglacons]

Such a functionalist view will always come across weirdly to an æsthet. But it's still a very valid and good line of argument, provided it doesn't become the only one, pretending beauty _needs_ a purpose other than itself and this purpose is only societal mood control.

[@shionsunaga4138]

=It may make us feel rather small that we "need" good designs to keep us in our best position. But I certainly agree that they improve how we feel and is still indeed an important way to a achieve the best of ourselves.

[@gabrielamignone]

If you have a soul design matters. What kind of design? It depends on your soul. Thank you School of Life, you are excellent.

[@davidnovak9781]

Hi guys really happy to see picture from Czech Republic!!! Monastery Nový Dvůr in 0,48 at the video. Cool

[@djomlas888]

But how can one person say what's beautifull and what's not? Something pretty in one persons eyes might be ugly in anothers.

[@rugbyguy59]

Just watched the Spinoza "film". The section here on the debate between Catholic and Protestant reminded me of part of that. Seems to me, in this case, the Catholic Church was saying this is how things (humans) are and going with it, as Spinoza suggested. The Protestants are saying this is how we should be... some arguments for both but I know I always like visting Catholic buildings more... unless it's Anglican... which is sort of the same. They have more presence.

[@trevor998tredoux9]

Design always influences my emotions, colors particularly.

[@StabilAmboss]

but not everyone got tha same taste tho. one person might find it confidence building, another might hate it.

[@mrAlexMusictv]

A big compliment guys! You make an exceptional work with your videos.

[@rosesarelike]

Guys, you are the actual best. So glad I subscribed to you.

[@Shashuverse]

Your Channel Name is Design Masterpiece.

[@UTU]

Comparing this to Em's videos and the replies to it, it sure seems visual context helps. At the very least in this video it's easier for the viewer to comprehend exactly what you speak of when you say Nazi Design, for example. Sure, this isn't too relevant to Plato's ideas perhaps, but it does help to set the mood - to focus the mind. Em can still do her videos without visual context, but I do believe they'll be better off including something more than a summary of books, you guys have plenty of great ideas so I'm sure you'll figure it out one way or another. Keep up all the great work on this channel!

[@UTU]

***** It's ok, it doesn't bother me - just figured since you took the criticism to your attention I'll mention it :)

[@red__guy]

it's great to see this video. a kind of sequel to the "bad taste" video. I wish to find to closest thing to that could exist to objective good taste. but not only in sight object (fashion, architecture, design) but probably to find that in food (or any other senses) I had an argument about taste: If an egg would cost 200$ and rib-eye steak cost 2$. my opinion was that there will still be no luxury in eggs like that fact that we don't see snake's eggs as a gourmet dish. But the taste about food is more complicated because of the history with food (like the history with eggs for example that could make it a luxury if cost 200$ now).

[@KydaIndie]

I would argue that thinking about the genius and finding the beauty in even ugly things is more important than having a beautiful design in your surroundings

[@Alektrophobians]

there is so much more to good design then just asthetics

[@brandonadams9203]

I have to disagree with the aesthetic argument here. Its only important for things to be designed with function in mind. Things being designed with superfluous features that are purely for the sake of "looking nice" is a waste of resources usually and always a waste of time. That is unless it can be argued that the aesthetic beauty of something is part of the function such as a painting to inspire conversation in an otherwise boring office building.

[@blaqdencreatives70]

It's quite mediocre to focus on the notion that design only correlates to aesthetics. It is much more than that. It can be a system, a process, a construction or an entity that is a result of solving a particular problem, a purpose or an iteration of an entity to achieve the best version of it. Aesthetics should simply be just a bi-product, or a part of an effective product/entity/system or construction that aims to solve a particular problem. A great design's first priority is to serve a function for the purpose of making something effective in relation to its goal. A Victorian design was effective in its time, and might still be effective in some scenarios to date. But in the present day, minimalism is surely loved by many.

[@nutbeam3102]

I can say sincerely that this show is very well designed

[@JaseemUmar]

This video makes the mistake of conveying design is just about looks. Sometimes it is about looks, but most importantly design is about function.

[@colleenbowers6200]

Would very much appreciate and love a video about Universal Design and mostly one of Universal Design for Learning

[@dianasiegel3887]

i love all the braun inserts in there

[@TheBlueOwlPlays]

0:15 Why is Birmingham constantly viewed as an example of poor design? It's hardly London, but it hasn't been a concrete jungle for years, the building you pictured (the Rotunda) looks beautiful since its refurbishment.

[@TheBlueOwlPlays]

***** No offence caused! This was a lovely video and as a designer I was happy to see it, there are just tons of other tower blocks you could have picked (I suppose I am a little bias as I'm aiming to get a flat in the Rotunda)

[@TheBlueOwlPlays]

***** Oh, good point. You should do a video on how terrible Birmingham City Centre housing is, no reason, I just think it would be interesting...

[@JustDevon]

***** cool to see you here :)

[@Saffa90]

I wish this was appropriate for 9-10 year olds as I was wanting to show this to my class.

[@crisissocoylike]

Saffa90 it is a little more advanced and more appealing to identify folk

[@joelincoln6560]

Great vid. You should do a series of videos on notable designers, Eames, Mies van der rohe, Corbusier etc.

[@Ndo01]

Sweet, was waiting for an ep on ontological design

[@thattombell]

Thanks for this, it has been a great and simple introduction to the power of design in shaping outcomes. As someone who works in a healthcare setting I would say that the potential restorative power of design is undervalued. Do you have any further material and references to the evidence that you could share with me please?

[@whipshaw]

very disruptive and also interesting point of view, thanks!

[@josephasghar]

Well I love the sound effects. And the animation, for that matter. It's like as Monty Python / Heath Robinson mash-up. Alain db deserves a Plain English Award.

[@davidhanks1109]

Great video and channel. I hope you have more, on design, in the works. The world needs better design and understanding of it. It relates so well to all the other awesome subjects of these videos.

[@davidhanks1109]

I have yet to experience a well designed workplace.

[@bugandclaw]

Beautifully done video. It sounds like you are speaking more about the art of things rather than the design of things though.

[@dipsaucerose]

YES. THANK YOU.

[@MEXTguide_yoyo]

This has been very helpful. Thank you

[@GOVANTONIMaart]

Shout out for featuring Peter.

[@abdelhakimamer6989]

Brilliant collection of videos very intresting keep up the good the work

[@malcolmgraham8319]

I think it is a jump to say because the Halo Effect exists, being around nice things makes us more moral people.

[@euzx570]

Very good

[@TGTID]

This stuff is thoroughly researched! Very nice work guys!

[@stoppsychedelic]

Does anyone have any thoughts on shintoism in Japan and their approach to simplicity and design?

[@MustafaKulle]

Victoria P I want in-depth knowledge of that too. I love Japan.

[@sooooooooDark]

"nice" design can be added but i hope it doesnt have the highest priority on most things if i go to the dentist i dont want his instruments to look nice - i want them to do what their main purpose is well - fixing my teeth also: things that look nice might make u think that everything is okay ;)

[@grandsome1]

If the dentist instruments look shady you wouldn't go to the dentist. Looking nice is not just pretty colours, it's also the appearance of being well made. Mirror finish stainless tools for example.

[@sooooooooDark]

shady is not the opposite of nice where i come from :S if u mean they look all rusted and blood is on them and they smell funny then i guess thats not the way they were designed (i hope! lol)

[@gabrielrenderos710]

I'm a designer and I can properly say that this is SO wrong in SO MANY ways

[@12dollarsand78cents]

Wrong! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don't see any useless frames around windows, and I love that look.

[@amorsol8060]

So true

[@VinnieMTG2024]

very good

[@Rene86]

I would love to hear what TSOL has to say about UX and UIX?!

[@totijean-marcyale466]

Wonderful!

[@nevokrien95]

I beg to differ we can learn from failure more then from succes so ugly things should teach us the same or more then beautiful things

[@joemunro17]

However, the design of an object should include practical purpose too. Great video! :-)

[@Piglet0504]

Agree!

[@ThePeaceableKingdom]

+Karl Fletcher "With irony it was no trouble to speak one's piece in more than one tone of voice simultaneously." --- William R. Everdell

[@3_m_1_7]

Lovely video.

[@Nick-Drake]

Awesome, Loved this video.

[@Bursadesain]

good video, thank you

[@Gjera]

I liked the sound that Nosferatu made... :)

[@noticias6111]

Did anyone else think about Transformers at the part about objects turning into persons?

[@RicardoSosaOnline]

ok. I guess that's one way to think about it...

[@Mihirskates]

What about people who are beautiful on the outside and terrible people and vice versa. Do ugly people make us feel negative emotions ?

[@audrey1053]

Hello, I really love those video. Could you do video on color? I'm sure there is plenty to say about each of them. It's just a suggestion. :D

[@morrisalanisette9067]

What I don't understand about design is how it is judged. Because anything, no matter how ugly can somehow be cool and good if suddenly people decide that it is. And meanwhile the opposite is true, truly beautiful and wondeful things are suddenly not cool or good. I guess I just hate trends and not design. I don't understand trends at all it makes no sense to me. Like for example Paisley. Is Paisely or Tie Dye good design or bad? Nowadays its prob considered bad, but why? I guess because of its history. But then Balenciaga might make a Tie Dye shirt and suddenly celebs are all wearing tie dye. It's this arbitrariness that I don't like about design. In my lifetime, I've seen people who would have certain things and got made fun of, and then to watch 10 years later it is the cool thing. I really don't like this.

[@Bursadesain]

good contents, thank you

[@sintofg]

Dat handslap tho.

[@j.c.chandler8748]

Interesting!!!

[@sadiaswr]

Cool

[@nebojsagalic4246]

I usually agree with you, but this time I could n`t be further from agreeing. Yes, design has been used for propaganda purposes, but it`s really only the cherry on top. Controlling films or books is a far far more effective means of influencing people`s behavior. If we want people to behave more justly and righteously we should give those who lack the basic needs of life food and shelter, not fancy town squares.

[@alexussy69]

i dont know what to do with this information

[@mattbottos]

Interesting! "Beauty is a promise of goodness" sounds like something a "philosopher" like Kanye West would say in one of his design lectures... and at the same time we are lucky enough to have his dear wife Kim teach us about authenticity via her Instagram feed. Isn't this sentiment a reflection of a superficial and myopic culture? Reflecting on the examples provided in this clip, has humanity actually learnt anything from history? If you focus on good design alone, it's easy to lose sight of the fact that it can be used to exploit.

[@vinicio3382]

theres is no such thing as good or bad design, appropriate should be the term

[@4dityaB]

Isn't it weird how Kanye West stresses this point so much but still doesn't come halfway clear when trying to convey the same message?

[@thydra76]

Out of curiosity, isn't it possible for someone who adopts this frame of thinking to develop an over reliance on material things (The thought that buying certain things complete you as a person)?

[@Purple_guy157]

This went from design to Hitler for a few seconds.

[@furduionut]

that slap thou

[@Pirxel]

This one goes very well with the first world problems one ;P

Que bullshit, design vai muito além de aspectos visuais e o jeito que coisas "agradáveis" afetam as pessoas psicologicamente. Fazer algo funcional é muito mais profundo do que fazer algo bonito. E nem todo design é feito para ser agradável e bonito. E aonde vão as pessoas que criam capas para livros de terror? E produtores de filmes que querem passar uma experiência visceral e nojenta? Assim como o vídeo dele, que tem uma voz agradável de narrador bonitinha mas só fala besteira funcionalmente.

[@Pirxel]

Me parece que não foi tanto ele que mal entendeu o conceito de Design, mas você que subestima ou diminui o conceito de Beleza (e a importancia que ele tenta propor) ;)

[@Mikey.Dat3]

Hasn't the disney film, Beauty and the Beast had any influence on your phrase of "ugliness is nothing short of despair and evil" lol I believe a comment below made the same comment. Also, even ugly designs have a purpose whether its ugly through your eyes or beautiful to another. Ultimately, design is important because its a form of expression to serve a purpose. Not simply due to a poor sense of creativity. apologies mate for being a bit critical with these clips but, I really share your concern for the viewers education.

[@dariusasghari]

Wonderful video. We often overlook the significance of our surroundings and the impact on our consciousness. ...Hey guys what was the hymnal song you used at 1.55?

[@ludovicleprinceroyal8721]

Thumbs up for superfluous, expensive taste!

[@seoheekang6576]

Where can I get the script? I'm learning english, the information seems to interest to me

[@qudziemukombesky]

2:03 caught me unaware

[@etion1999]

School of life please fix this. The audio on most of your videos is low, and the speaker in some parts gets "muted" by the other sounds or the background music .I want to hear more about philosophy than the sound fx or the music.