The Design Manifesto
We learned about Design Manifestos at university.
What is a design manifesto?
A design manifesto is a document written by a creative designer that explains how they want to use their skills to make the world a better place. They believe that their designs can have a positive impact on society and they want to be responsible in their work.
Designers value creativity and innovation, and they want to make sure their designs help people and the environment.
Design manifestos all have the same goal of creating a set of guidelines for the design process but can vary in length and format.
They are often used to explain to clients, partners, and other designers how the designer thinks about their work and what is important to them. This helps start discussions about how design can be used to improve local communities and wider society in general.
What are my personal design principles as shown in the image?
The message determines the means. (What is to be conveyed, will determine the required vessel and its details)
Harness the expressive potential of point, line and plane. (You can spawn an entire universe or simple story, with a few dots on a page).
Develop a range of visual grammar across multiple cultures. (What one colour means to you, may not mean the same to someone else)
Grids and Ratios are tools to achieve aims. (Stand on the shoulders of those who have come before, and understand why things should look a certain way.)
Contrast adds dynamism.
Typefaces give words a voice.
Use patterns and textures in a supporting role. (never overload a design)
Never use more than 3 levels of hierarchy. (your message will be lost)
Learn the rules, then decide if you should break them.
Find a balance between perception and interpretation, in a culturally self-conscious manner.
Why are they important?
A design manifesto is to a designer, similar to what a mission statement and brand strategy guide can be for a business. Laying in place a foundation on which your business is to operate will support everything that comes after.
If want to read more about Design Manifestos (and other incredibly cool things) then I suggest you get this book called 100 Ideas that changed Graphic Design.
*Note that this is an affiliate link. If you purchase this book through this link, I will earn a small commission, but the price of the book remains the same for you.