Designers should talk manufacturers’ language

I attended the Design Week debate on British manufacturing at last month’s Design Show.

When I was at college, the issue of designers versus manufacturers was always at the forefront. The problem seems not only to be about manufacturers being slow to invest in good design, but also that designers operating apart from industry. Too many designers seem to concentrate on being stylists, dare I say, and not enough on practical issues.

But I think the real issue is about language. If a product designer can talk to an engineer in terms he or she understands, then the working relationship is likely to be much more positive.

Too many designers get caught up with conceptualisations to think about manufacturers’ concerns, let alone those of the end user.

Stephen Lewis

Stephen Lewis Design Consultancy

Epsom

Surrey KT19 8TU