Challis Hodge’s UXblog

We are living in one of the most challenging times in recent history. Our economy is a mess, the world is a disaster and one of the most important professions needed to lead us into the future is missing in action. For sure design has lost its pride, its sense of purpose and its dignity. We as designers are no longer proud to stand up for the inherent value we bring. We are looking for ways to justify ourselves to business alone as if we don�t also play a critical role in social, cultural and quality of life issues. We designers are missing from the decision-making process and humanity is paying the price. Design is broken and it needs to be fixed.

Design has been hobbling along for sometime. Of late it has become increasingly difficult to discern the real problems behind the malady. Some folks have suggested that we designers should just go do good work and things will work themselves out. Others have suggested that we simply need to educate business on the value of design and we�ll earn our place in the boardroom. Still others have called for better communication and cooperation between design disciplines as a potential fix.

I wish fixing design were this simple but it�s not. Fixing design requires change, determination and will. It requires design professionals to dig deep, to answer tough questions and rekindle the magic that lives within.

Restoring belief in ourselves is only the first step in fixing design. We must take on new challenges with new approaches. A simultaneous top down and bottom up approach is required. Making business aware of our value is only a small part. Real change will come only with an organized and sustained effort to force social, cultural and political change.
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