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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Design for the Real World summary
Victor Papanek
Human Ecology and Social Change
18 mins
Brief summary
Design for the Real World by Victor Papanek is an influential design manifesto that exposes the failings of our modern industrial system and calls for a more thoughtful, sustainable approach to design that prioritizes people and the environment.
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Table of Contents
Design for the Real World
Summary of 10 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 10
More than beauty: design produces functional tools and objects for human society.
What do you imagine when you hear the word “design?” High fashion and fancy chairs?
Certainly, today’s understanding of “design” is mostly associated with the design of products – e.g., the sleek casing of the iPod – and is often considered to be the art of making things look beautiful.
In fact, there are many examples where product design focuses only on appealing to our senses, i.e., look, touch, smell, sound and taste. One particularly exaggerated example of this is the disc player that produces an aromatic scent whenever the disc plays. Consumers then have the option of choosing between “romantic” or “natural” aromas.
Although this design feature is entirely cosmetic and an unimportant improvement to standard players’ function, it would not be unusual for products like these to be referred to as “good design.”
However, good design encompasses far more than just aesthetics. Good design is about creating functional tools, products and systems.
In addition to aesthetics, functional design considers the methods employed by the designer, the intended use of the product, the human needs the product aims to meet, the associations the design creates with friends and family, and its relationship to nature and society as a whole.
In order for a design to be considered “fully functional,” it must fulfill all these elements.
Consider, for example, Leonardo da Vinci’s mural, The Last Supper. The painting is clearly beautiful, and thus satisfies an aesthetic function. But it does much more than this! For example: its immediate use is to cover an otherwise bland or ugly wall; contemplating the painting serves our need for spiritual enlightenment; and it creates clear associations with the Bible, thus helping people to identify with the design.
A successful designer, such as da Vinci, needs to balance these varying demands when designing her product. This is especially important as design can have far-reaching, unintended effects, as we’ll see in the next blink.
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What is Design for the Real World about?
Design for the Real Word takes an uncompromising look at the social and ecological repercussions of industrial design in the United States. In order to combat this destructive trend, author Victor Papanek offers fundamental insights into socially, morally and environmentally responsible design, as well as ideas for achieving those goals.
Design for the Real World Review
Design for the Real World (1971) by Victor Papanek highlights the importance of ethical and sustainable design, making it a book that shouldn't be missed. Here's why it stands out:
- Offers thought-provoking ideas and practical solutions for designing products that are socially responsible and environmentally friendly.
- Papanek's insightful examples and case studies demonstrate how design can impact people's lives, improving their quality and addressing societal issues.
- The book challenges conventional design thinking and promotes the notion that design has the power to create positive change in the world.
Best quote from Design for the Real World
Each hamburger, fish sandwich, egg burger, or what-have-you comes in its styrofoam sarcophagus, is further wrapped in plastic foil and accompanied by numerous condiments . . . each in its own plastic or foil pouch.
—Victor Papanek
Who should read Design for the Real World?
- Anyone interested in a critical perspective on design in modern society
- Anyone interested in the social and environmental responsibilities of designers
- Designers, business leaders and others who want to use design to fulfill unmet social needs
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Design for the Real World FAQs
What is the main message of Design for the Real World?
The main message of Design for the Real World is that design should serve the needs of all people, and have a positive impact on society.
How long does it take to read Design for the Real World?
The reading time for Design for the Real World varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Design for the Real World a good book? Is it worth reading?
Design for the Real World is a must-read for designers and anyone interested in the social impact of design. It offers valuable insights and challenges traditional design practices.
Who is the author of Design for the Real World?
Victor Papanek is the author of Design for the Real World.
What to read after Design for the Real World?
If you're wondering what to read next after Design for the Real World, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Maps of Meaning by Jordan B. Peterson
- Fast. Feast. Repeat. by Gin Stephens
- Buddhism – Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen
- When Genius Failed by Roger Lowenstein
- Workstyle by Lizzie Penny and Alex Hirst