Memorable Design

In many cases the good things go unnoticed and bad things are remembered, but good design often contradicts this rule.

Good design should be memorable. It makes you smile, or just makes you stop and think. These speech bubble speakers are a whimsical approach to sound that you'll surely remember to mention to your friend later.

Good design should also make things easier. Many designs find a cool looking and clever way to make your life more difficult. The mantra of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," often applies. Here's an example of a clock that broke what was unbroken, and then tried to fix it all in one design. It is engaging and interactive, but I wonder how easy it is to read at 10:30.

Good designs should be so thoughtlessly easy to use that they are not really noticed. But then they should be remembered for their beauty or emotional appeal.