Not Robert Cumberford

Image courtesy Gizmodo

I’ve been watching Apple’s design for a long time. Besides being the products that I personally choose to interact with the world on (desktop/laptop/phone), they have obviously been trend-setters in industrial and consumer electronics design since possibly the launch of the original transparent iMac in 1998. And although I love their products for many reasons, I have been concerned that they have not made a major leap in design language in the past 5 years or so (read my original article “Has Apple design lost the plot” from 2006). Interestingly, it seems to me that nobody else has stepped up to the plate in that regard either, and I find that leads me to an even bigger question: is Apple the only major consumer electronics manufacturer willing to take a risk on design?

I don’t actually have an answer to that, and you could argue that even Apple isn’t taking risks anymore, but I find the question fascinating. There are some attractive mobile devices and consumer electronics out there right now, but nothing that I would consider groundbreaking has happened in a long time. I haven’t personally been inspired by the design of anything in years.

I think design has become universally better in the past decade, with a real design “dog” very rare these days compared to those of years past. Mobile devices and laptops are leading the way, but most of the designs are still derivative. Sure, a Dell or HP laptop that looks more like a MacBook Air is a step in the right direction, but why the hesitation to move forward, to take a chance, and explore new materials? I think public perception and appreciation of design is at an all-time high, especially in the US (which has lagged behind the rest of the developed world for the better part of the last half-century), and a bold design could be a real differentiator for someone looking to make their mark in the industry. So are the designers being timid? Is it management? Maybe it’s just because nobody wants to take a risk in a down economy? Or maybe, just maybe, everybody’s waiting for someone else to show them the next big thing. A sort of “you go first. No, you go” conversation between companies. Maybe everyone else is so scared that Apple will suddenly change the design game on them (as they have many times before), that they don’t want to step to the front of the line for fear of walking a plank of their own making (Motorola).

Well, I’m here to say that I’m waiting, and watching, for signs of life from the design community. To my surprise, I see a glimmer of hope from the auto industry, who out of desperation seem to be taking more risks than they have in the past 25 years (Buick Lacrosse, Nissan Cube, or even the Kia Soul showing signs of life), but I haven’t seen anything, from anyone, that says to me “we trust our designers and we’re going for it”. And I find that sad.

A sign of the times? Maybe. But if everyone else is watching Apple, maybe they’re just missing the point. Apple got where it is by breaking out and setting the trends. By being the leader. If they’ve become a bit complacent, maybe it’s time for someone else to take up the mantle of design leader. They’re begging to be taken down by a bold competitor, but it seems that everyone is too scared to make the first move.

Have a design that you think breaks the trend? Think I’m way off base? Think I’m just a Jonny Ive fanboy who should shut up and buy a sweet Dell? Let me know in the comments!

A commendable car blog called The Truth About Cars has asked its readership to submit logo designs for the site. Typically, I would consider this an affront to designers (and maybe it is), but I have a lot of respect for them and what they stand for (completely unbiased and brutally honest auto reviews and news), so, despite my better judgment, I thought I’d throw my hat into the ring and design a little something for them as well. I can use all the publicity I can get for my designs.

Maybe if I win their contest they’ll buy my Christmas Cards next year to send out.

The Truth About Cars logo proposal

I’m going to start this blog up again and see if anyone notices. Doubt it, but then again, yelling into the void helps you release stress just as well as yelling at your wife, without the consequences.

I’ll be adding current projects, twits, insights and anything else that comes to mind in shorter, more concise posts.

Does anyone know if Adobe fixed the “outline stroke” tool in Ai CS4? That alone woul dbe worth the upgrade. Grrr.

…so I might as well say what I’m really thinking, right? I’m changing this blog from a design critique to a more generalized rant about what bugs me – in design and the world in general.

So, first things first. I’m sick of things being done faster, cheaper and “good enough”. I got into this business because it seemed like one of the few places where people still strived for perfection, and now I spend my days trying to crank out design like a sweatshop worker. I’m hoping to end that soon.

My goal is to endorse the “slow work” movement (which evidently exists: www.slowplanet.com/design), in the spirit of the slow food movement. The idea being that my work, like cooking, is best left to simmer to achieve its best result. Can I design a logo or a set of icons in an afternoon? Yes. Should I? No, and shame on you for asking. Yes, it will be cheap, but it will also look that way. If you can’t tell the difference, then you shouldn’t be making the design decisions.

That said, I need to make a living, so I’m going to be going out of my way to find clients who appreciate things done right, clients with attention to detail, clients who care. If you’re one of them, and you’re looking for someone to create a brandmark, icon or illustration for your next project, drop me an email or a comment and I’d be happy to discuss what you’re looking for – maybe over a coffee or lunch?