About the Author
Eilidh Dunsire
Resident brand strategist, designer, creative solution finder & ice cream appreciator.
During LA Design Festival, I heard a statement that made me reflect, and I wanted to dig a little deeper into the concept:
'Design is not an industry.'
This made me think for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, as designers, it's easy to get caught up in the professional side of things and overlook the true potential of our work. We have the incredible ability to shape culture, tell stories, and drive positive change in our communities and further.
Secondly, while design is what we do for a living, if we think of design as an industry, we reduce it to commercialisation. This is a trap that dilutes our passion and the potential impact of our work, risking it becoming transactional and mundane.
Design is a powerful force that goes beyond a profession or making money. It shapes who we are as a culture and connects the past, present, and future. And I believe that most designers do think of design as a powerful part of our society.
While the design industry plays an important role in nurturing our culture, design is not confined to a commercial tool, or a profession.
Creativity is a human resource that is part of everyday activities like arranging objects, sharing information, and shaping our spaces. By embracing design as an ever-present force, we gain a deeper appreciation for its role in shaping our lives and the world around us.
It reminded me to keep designing for the better, and to keep fighting the good fight.