On a mission to see if design can change the world

Problem. We see it every day, be it social, political, business or the smallest of things like travel or food. Many would want to solve them, but a few make it happen. Some of the simple solutions have helped so many lives.

Solutions with design are more effective. Be it the ingenious bottle design that works as a filter to purify water in Africa or the football that converts kinetic energy to solar and ultimately helps charge the mobile phones. Another fascinating innovation from Africa is the roundabout, whereby the energy of the children is used to pump in water to a tank.

The solution can arise from a personal problem. For instance Jeff Weber, an industrial designer with his foot injury made him design hassle free crutches.

Not all kinds of design will change the world.  Experts say that design that is sustainable, that is in harmony with the environment will be the way of the future. The answer can be in the form of eco- friendly - bio degradable material used in design, the longevity of the design, design that eliminates waste, conserves energy and re-uses.

Good design happens only when experienced.  Gone are the days when only the rich and the bourgeois could afford design. New age designers understand the need to make design accessible by one and all. Design produced locally not only facilitates affordability but also helps generate employment. Good design educates and upgrades life.  And as Stefan Sagmeister says, "A good design does not only sell for the client. It can inform, delight, provoke, support and simplify someone’s life.”

I believe design can change the world. If design is not merely driven by aesthetics but If it can impact the environment around us and solve problems -big or small. One needs to be aware and work towards making ‘responsible design.’ I believe that design has a heart and can touch somebody’s life.