"Design" by Tom Peters
I have a strong belief that you can't overestimate the importance of design in ANY business.
Therefore, I loved the recent book "Design" by the management guru Tom Peters. EVERY CEO of ANY business should have it, if he/she wants to survive and succeed long term.
Why? In addition to making a strong case about the importance of design, he gathered and condensed some profound insights by many well known business leaders. This book is, essentially, a 'Design-101' for CEO-s. Consider just a few quotes:
"Design is the fundamental soul of a man-made creation" Steve Jobs (you already know MY favorite SJ quote on design - it's on the blog banner).
"Design is the principal difference between... love and hate."
"... emotions are twice as important as "facts" in the process by which people make buying decisions."
"Design - per se - is the principal reason for emotional attachment (or detachment)."
"MFA (Master of Fine Arts) is the new MBA" (totally agree).
"All {comparable} products... have basically the same technology, price, performance, and features. Design is the only thing that differentiates one product from another in the marketplace." Norio Ohga, retired chairman of SONY.
"15 years ago, companies competed on price. Today it's quality. Tomorrow it's design." Bob Hayes, professor emeritus, Harvard Business School.
Unfortunately, 90-some % of the CEO-s today don't get it.
You can pull great quotes almost from every page. Though I disagree with some of Mr. Peters' views on certain issues (as much as I love design, or, may be, because of it), the overall value of this small book is well worth its price ($15, 160 of small 'pocket-format' pages, lots of pictures). What's funny is that I bought it in a grocery store, while standing in line at the cashier counter.
One more reason I like Tom Peters is that he writes well: in a succint, simple and lively language; you don't need an MBA to get the point. Unlike, say, Michael Porter, whose books were a royal pain in the ass to read (as much as I appreciated his insights).
I will return to the "Design" book in the subsequent posts...
I highly recommend everyone, anyone to get a copy!
posted by NomadX @ 1:05 PM
3 Comments:
Nomadx:
So tell me, is design just the skin? Is it just "what it looks like and is it smooth and cool and stylish"? Is an architect also a designer? Is a person who designs the GUI for an application more of a designer than the guy who figures how to store the data, do the computations, and make it all run fast in the least memory [i.e. the software engineer] any less a designer?
Just a question to synch up vocabularies.
Here is my quote for you today:
"If two objects have the same function , the one that engages the user's soul is the more functional."
I don't have time to read Peters so I hope you do follow through with a review.
I suggest you turn on the captcha feature too.
GS,
Thx for your comments and your quote (I do agree with it).
I'd like to start by quoting you:
<<...to synch up vocabularies>>. This is the core question. I was shocked to discover there were such huge differences between the design industry executives re: the definition of 'design'. The fact that there is no standardized answer may be a good sign - the field is just budding, and there is lots of room for new players, for better definitions. As for you Q-s, my opinion is that:
- Unlike many that like to distinguish between function vs. form, I don't think there is (or has to be) conflict/ competition between the aesthetics and function. Form IS (and can influence) function as well. And function doesn't necessarily have to limit the aesthetic appeal, it just ask for more creativity. However, I think the context of our times suggests the increasing importance of the 'form' when 'function' (e.g. technology, etc...) is increasingly and rapidly becoming a utility.
- An architect is definitely a designer: he just specializes in buildings. An architect is actually a great example where function and form organically intertwine and live in harmony, as an architect has to think of both: the visual appeal of the building, while maintaining its structural integrity... Engineer marries san artist.
- Re: the GUI guy vs. the database programmer, again, a programmer doesn't have to be (by default or otherwise) any less designer, or a GUI know nothing about database architecture. There is an old saying (translated): "If a shoemaker is an artist - great; if an artist is a shoemaker - sad."
- I would, however, distinguish between, say, a designer by education, and a designer by calling, and would prefer the latter. Examples of their qualitative difference you witness every day, all day.
Hm, I should've made it a blog post.
"...However, I think the context of our times suggests the increasing importance of the 'form' when 'function' (e.g. technology, etc...) is increasingly and rapidly becoming a utility...."
If Apple Computer is any kind of indication, you have called that matter rightly.
-the artistic shoemaker saying: wonderful insight, not at all common either.
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