Design as Conversation

Design is a universal language, in every culture and country there exists some type of design, and they all look different from each other. Architecture in Japan looks different from architecture in America. However, even then there are similarities that allow design to be understood across the world. Most designers have a common goal, whether it be becoming more eco-friendly, to being more aesthetically pleasing, since design is a very visual language. Without sharing the same oral language, people can communicate via images and PowerPoint’s, through common ideas of what is most economical to produce, to what would reach out to the most people.

Design as conversation also reaches to non-designers. Something that was made in Japan could have just as much relevance in America, or the other way around. There are no words that are needed in order to have an expression of ideas. If something is not done well, people will notice.
Whether the designer likes it or not, the public forms an opinion of his product or idea at sight. Thus, it turns his or her design turns into a conversation! Through the public rejecting or ignoring his work, the designer knows that he/she is not on the right track, and needs to change his direction. The designer controls what the public receives, the public controls what the designer creates—in this way they have a wordless conversation, or a give-and-take relationship.
Fortunately, this kind of trade often works out for the best. The public is satisfied with the new product, and the designer is usually satisfied knowing that he or she made something of value to the public. Sometimes this is not the case, as opinions vary widely, but in most cases the results are positive.