Hi there, This is the twenty fifth edition of D&T Special, a more in-depth view of topics that interest the Canvs team. Today's topic - Have we created a cookie cutter world view to what the contemporary product designer is? We hope you enjoy this (slightly scathing) read.
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✍️ From the Canvs Research & Editorial Desk
It seems like there’s an abundance of product designers emerging at every turn. With each new app or website launch, there’s a skilled designer diligently at work, fine-tuning color schemes, refining layouts, and incorporating eye-catching animations. Yet, amidst all this, it’s crucial to ponder whether every designer is truly leaving a lasting impact.
This week the Canvs R&E team has spent some time pondering this concept, let’s dive into some details.
Are we generating a league of commoditised designers?
While some designers undoubtedly strive to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, others may find themselves caught in a cycle of imitation, replicating established designs, or chasing a higher salary or "design mafia status" over true academic growth.
These challenges hold them back from being their creative best, bringing something new to the mix, something that moves the needle.
### Some issues plaguing designers today:
#### 1. Repetitive design trends and uninspired work
You’ll see many websites and apps following the same old patterns, with little to distinguish them from one another. There needs to be more fresh ideas and originality. Rather than taking risks, many designers choose to stick to familiar formulas that fail to ignite excitement or leave a lasting impression; more often than not failing both business and user.
#### 2. The dearth of critical thinking
There’s a troubling trend towards quick fixes and surface-level solutions of just making the UI beautiful, rather than going into the intricacies of user needs and market demands. They may address immediate concerns without truly understanding the underlying problems or considering the broader context.
#### 3. Pursuit of financial gain > Pursuit of excellence
Designers have been emphasising monetary rewards over a passion for the craft. Rather than being driven by a genuine love for design and a desire to create impactful work, many designers are hungry for higher earnings.
To read more on the topic, check the full article.
📚 What we were reading this week
The U.S. TikTok ban is bigger than just ByteDance
The clampdown on Chinese-owned companies by the United States won't end here.
Boeing is borrowing $10 billion as it burns cash fixing its issues
The company is leaning on credit markets to tide it over for a couple years amid losses.
How an ancient water tunnel design is cooling 21st-century streets
In Seville, 3,000-year-old underground technology is being transformed in modern day air-conditioning.
Life on another planet, finally?
James Webb Space Telescope to answer soon
First post: A history of online public messaging
From BBS to Facebook, here's how messaging platforms have changed over the years.
Microsoft to invest $1.7 billion in cloud, AI in Indonesia: CEO Satya Nadella
Jakarta is Nadella's first stop on his trip to Southeast Asian countries as the U.S. company promotes its generative AI technology to bolster growth. He is due to visit Malaysia and Thailand later this week.
Forget subtitles: YouTube now dubs videos with AI-generated voices
YouTube’s automatic dubbing system is competing with human firms to help creators scale the language barrier.
Some highlights from the past month of D&T
Essential global election tracker
How the brain engages with design
And that's the lot! Thanks for checking out what we had to share with you this week, we shall catch up with you next Wednesday. Incase you aren't subscribed to the newsletter, you could subscribe here.
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