With some fresh insights I wanted to write an evolved sequel to my popular Designing in pictures post. What are the factors in building a good designed product? You have to look at different perspectives to create something holistic that works.

1. Emotion

This perspective adds character and identity to a product. Something that sets it apart by giving it attributes like warmth/coolness/color/seriousness/playfullness etc.

2. Social

Is the product friendly in use? Is the message easy to read? This is the factor of usability and interaction.

3. Structure

Is the product built on solid foundations. Is the structure sound? Can the product easily be reused/extended/adapted to other uses. This can be seen as the technologically part of the product/process.

4. Community

Is the product/message targeted well to the interests of a certain target group/community. Has it potential to build a self sustaining community around it? This is the domain of marketing.

5. Purpose

The above four perspectives need to fall together in a holistic whole for the original intention of the product to work. This factor gives the product it’s x-factor or explains it’s lack thereof. One of the above factors can sabotage this factor.

6. Process

All of the above has to be built by a group of people over time. The design depends on the limitations or errors in the process of designing the product. A large factor in the success of the design of the product is how the whole process is planned and managed and who works on it.

7. Evolution

A product has to evolve. You have to add recent techniques to stay into the market and use the best methods. Otherwise the design will be overshadowed by a newer design. It has to evolve to be relevant.

8. Communication & Networking

The purpose and design of the product is most of the time dependent on a client or a group of influential people. They are the people that made the project possible so you have to juggle with their wishes. So you have to keep them in the loop in the whole process. This factor can be kept in control if you manage to be in the right network of influential people.

Quality

The quality of the design depends on these factors. Failure in one of the above can sink the project.