Comment on Node ant

Manuel Saez — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 18:16:28 -0500

Michael, great comment, we can not take the design brief as a rigid document. The brief is a living document that evolves and should be updated collaboratively by the client and the designer after each review meeting. They can provide a checkpoint and a way of measuring results. The knowledge and creativity of the designer has to be focused in order to provide the best value to the client. This is not to say that is limiting, just to channel the creative energy. True innovation only comes when there are clear constraints. Manuel

Measuring and Compensating Design

Manuel Saez — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:18:46 -0500

Evaluating and measuring a design’s worth, and determining a designer’s compensation for the design, are challenges facing every organization that brings original products to market.

Great Design – Defined

Manuel Saez — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:24:26 -0400

What is good design? I asked friends and colleagues what good design is. Most of them answered naming a few products or mentioning a designer’s name. I felt that these answers were not getting to the essence of what good design is or even better, what great design is. Read below my attempt to answer this seemingly easy question.

Great designs are those that successfully balance beauty and function in the context they are going to be used.

The Home Depot Experience

Manuel Saez — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:35:36 -0400

In the last two years I have seen a consistent and ever growing decadence at big box retailers in the US. Recently I found myself choosing NOT to shop at Home Depot, but instead to visit a smaller retailer further from my home cutting out an hour from my day. The reason I switched is clear. I favor a better shopping experience over convenience. So do a lot of people I know. Some are even forgoing lower prices.

Service Driven Product Design

Manuel Saez — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:29:46 -0400

For a long time customer service has been a strong strategic tool for many service-based companies like USAA Insurance Company and the Four Season Hotels and resorts. However, today, product-based companies like Apple and Lexus are relying more on customer service as a complement to their products. The strategy works, although the line between product and service has become blurry. Today, what matters more is the total experience.

Design Brief vs. Business Brief

Manuel Saez — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:57:51 -0400

The Design Brief, which states the parameters of a project in relation to the user/consumer, is a common document that guides designers through the process of product development. However, designers seldom have the opportunity to work in a broader context that offers more insight into the life of the product and its business aspects.

Is a “Sustainable Industrial Designer” an Oxymoron?

Manuel Saez — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:42:49 -0400

Recently, I was invited to speak at a conference celebrating “Earth Day.” My presentation consisted of “Everyone Considered,” a talk concerning our design process, which considers everyone that comes into contact with a product throughout its life: from the assembly worker to the individual recycling the product. Many consider this design process to be environmentally friendly.