If you're annoyed, chances are others may be too

Great article in the Times featuring Marc Newson today. A person who's earned respect for his successful approach to design in various applications, Newson demonstrates the benefits of infusing actual Design in universal design.

In the article, Newson states that '99% of door handles bug him'. His design response is lauded by design enthusiasts, and perhaps more importantly addresses accessibility without sacrificing a design language consistent with his usual touch of simplicity and sophistication.


Perhaps the best part about the design is the fact that Newson was compelled to re-design the handle because it annoyed him. Nothing is more motivating than designing something you know can be done better. Plus, if it annoys you, there's a good chance that it annoys someone else out there, too.  What could be a more effective way to channel negative emotions (i.e. being annoyed) than to respond with a productive solution? Being annoyed with the frustratingly bad design of hospital environments is what initiated my pursuit of a career in design. Being annoyed brought people to Zuccotti Park for the OWS protests. It seems that 'being annoyed' can compel people to do powerful things, when channeled effectively.


So the next time you find yourself cursing some inefficient banal object, environment, or situation, harness your annoyed state (and creativity) and make something happen...or consult a designer.