Good design is more than aesthetics and visuals, good design is a concept that has been forged over a long period of time covering all bases. Good design is achieved with something that not only is innovative but gets the job done in the most effective way. The concept of good design may be considered subjective because what may be functional or innovative to some may not considered as much to others. Below, I have showcased three products which I would consider having been well designed.
Jewellery box
This jewellery box was hand crafted in Morocco by a local skilled woodworker. The entire piece is crafted with wood and features two metal hinges concealed within the centre of the box. This box was designed with a puzzle element to it, which is a popular gimmick in markets in Asia, it opens by twist the lid rather than pulling the lid upwards as you’d expect. Personally, the puzzle element is what drew my attention to this piece as I appreciate the innovation and the geometric shapes it presents once opened. Not only did I like the gimmick, but I also admired the fact that the hinged were concealed and every component fits quite flush, hiding any mechanisms from the user. For me, two small compartments are perfect to fit rings, which I why I needed the box, therefore this jewellery box fulfilled my need as a customer.
Crocs
Crocs, the gen z/ millennial equivalent of marmite, either you love them or hate them. The design is this object seems simple to me, the entire shoe is constructed from CrosliteTM, a resin material that makes you feel like you’re walking on clouds. Personally, crocs are extremely versatile, a few years back you could only get away with wearing them in the house, now that they’re a trending fashion item, you can feel free to wear them at home, to the shops, and even when out with friends without extensive judgment. The croc features a strap which can be moved to suit the position you desire, often referred to as casual mode and sports mode (perfect for driving in). The crocs also feature a number of holes around the front of the shoe, promoting breathability allowing the user to feel comfortable when wearing the shoe. The shape of the croc presents a wide and curvy aesthetic, an iconic design for the brand but more importantly it’s a design that offers good spacing, further making it a comfortable fit. Crocs are available in a wide range of colours and have been known to pick up collaborations with some of the most unexpected brands from McDonalds to Balenciaga.
Car boot storage
This storage box has been designed for use in a car boot, it’s a storage box that I used daily and believe to be a good design. The box arrives flat packed and has Velcro edges which are used to connect to one another in order to build the structure of the box. I think that this feature helps prevent wear and tear, because if the box came ready built, after some usage I think that the edges and corners of the box would probably wear down and ruin the structural integrity of it. The box also features a handle located on the lid, allowing the user to easily move it around the boot and also pick up and take out. The size of the box is ergonomic for me as it fits inside the small space in the boot but can also house plenty of essential items like groceries, sports equipment and even items for a beach trip. The black leather and red stitching works well with the interior of my car which features both red and black on the seating and dashboard.