Design Culture (1)

My interest in the area of design has really grown over the last decade or so. It was initially inspired by friends and family who are involved in design, mostly in furniture and interior design. Also a few friends who are studying abroad, in industrial and textile design. The more I learn about it, the more I can see how it impacts our lives daily, and have experienced this over the years coming from Denmark, a country which has always had an interest and focus in the design industry.

My background involves a career in logistics and international trade, especially as a customs specialist. This has provided me with a lot of insight into a wide variety of products which are imported and exported from various countries. The customs perspective of product descriptions forces you to review and define the material composition of products, their origin and their value. It really helps in understanding the "who, what, when, where" + the "why and how" of a product's use and existence.

I was pleased to see a reference to Frog Design, in the Intro PDF, which appears to be a strong and diverse company with international presence. I read an article recently, which provided a copy of a chapter from a book by the founder of Frog Design, an interesting read. The strategy of Apple with their product design, has shown consistency over the years, and its interesting to read about Frog Design's involvement, and their approach of "strategic creativity + sustainable success". Business priorities are typically perceived to be about profits and relationships, however I really admire the approach of Frog Design's founder Hartmut Esslinger, his style and thoughtful processes. Here's a link, which gives a preview into his book entitled "a fine line". This chapter focuses on design-driven business strategy: very forward-thinking and pro-environment.

http://www.afinelinebook.com/media/A%20Fine%20Line%20-%20Chapter%201.pdf

He writes:

"Strategies based on creativity, insight, and cultural awareness are more environmentally responsible and sustainable than the age-old approach of winning through maximizing your use of resources, money, and people."

Also interesting to note that Esslinger founded frog design in his native Germany (note: [F]ederal [R]epublic [o]f [G]ermany), around the guiding principle “form follows emotion".