Purpose = Profitability

In one of my previous posts (x) I briefly mentioned that the purpose of a business is to make profit. This concept came up in this week’s lecture, so I decided to make a quick post about how this affects design.

This may sound harsh, but it is true. We strive to make money. How we do it or why we do it is irrelevant. If a business’s target is to make X amount of profit then they will judge their decision on which one will get them to this goal. Designers will often design crazy and awesome products because we often think too big and forget to consider costs and various other aspects of business/ economics.

REMEMBER: Businesses will not choose your best idea because you think it is the best idea. They will pick the one that is most convenient in terms of manufacture, costs, infrastructure, maintenance and truth to brand.

Possible designs are not always realistic designs.

TOP TIP: When presenting designs; have one that is ‘too safe’; one that is ‘too out there’ and one that is ‘out there’ design. This is the design that they will most likely choose as it is not boring and not too risky. This way you would have a design that you’re proud of and the business would be pleased with the range of designs you were able to produce as well as being happy with the one they have chosen.