Useful Assumptions

Classical Economic theory introduces us to some interesting theoretical assumptions - such as consistently rational consumers and perfect knowledge about the market. We know these aren’t true, but we suspend disbelief in the hope that the theories built on these assumptions might still prove to have some use in the real world. Economics is now reeling from the aftershocks of these theories self-imploding.

Design also introduces us to some interesting creative assumptions – such as the requirement for time, money, power, and patrons to achieve good design. However, based on experience, we have no reason to believe that these assumptions will prove useful in the real world. Design needs to prove that its value is rooted in how it changes the day to day business of living - in the reality of the world we find ourselves in, rather than the world we would like to assume.

To paraphrase John Lennon, good design is what happens when we are arguing about the context and the theory. Good design is what happens when we do it.