FOR GOODNESS SAKE

Designers have the power to use their skills to help deserving

causes large and small. Here, one designer explores the many

ways creatives have found to do good.

BY CHRISTOPHER SIMMONS

We designers frequently describe ourselves as “problem-solvers.” We apply our creative talents to finding new and innovative solutions to common questions. These questions may include how to best articulate a corporate brand, how to connect with a particular audience or how to communicate across cultural boundaries. Or the question may just be about how to sell the most widgets. Each of these is a worthy pursuit and each involves a certain kind of problem-solving—what Charles Eames described as “design addressing itself to the need.”

But there are problems that are larger than brands, consumers and widgets. There are needs as fundamental as clean water, free education, peace, equality, justice and hope. These are the needs design must address. These are the problems we should be solving. These are the issues that require good design.

Good design is design that does good. It helps. It inspires. It moves. Good design addresses itself to the real needs of society and culture. It breaks through. It sustains and it is sustainable. We often think of this kind of work as pro-bono, but it may also be compensated. Chances are, you’ve already worked on these kinds of projects—they may even represent some of your most forward-looking and creative work. They almost certainly represent your most satisfying efforts. After all, the urge to do good work that also does good seems embedded in the ethos of our profession. (See “Three Good Ideas” on page 82 for easy ways to give back.)

The current state of our government, our environment and our world might suggest that these needs are more urgent than ever, while the current state of our economy might seem to make giving a little more difficult. But problems don’t need to be huge to warrant solving, nor must they be distant to be worthy.

Often you don’t have to look further than your own neighborhood or network to find someone in need or to find allies to help you. Just like problems, solutions exist at all scales. You may be surprised at how the largest problems sometimes require the simplest solutions. It’s just a matter of finding both.

78 • AUGUST 2008

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