Setting the Standard in Design

What makes a design good? This question seems to have plagued designers throughout history- not just when examining the work of others, but in their own practice as well. However, there isn't a clear answer.

The widely-accepted ideas on what can be considered beautiful is often ever evolving because it is a reflection of what is valued at that time. It changes as we do. These readings aim to examine the industry standards we see and use today, think critically about who has a say in establishing them, and to hopefully encourage design exploration outside of the norm.

By Steven Heller, 1993

By Silvia Sfligiotti, 2020

The Modernist Grid

By Richard Hollis, 2003