DESIGN THREADS
A COLLABORATIVE REPORT ON THE STATE OF DESIGN
THREAD(NOUN)
1. A THEME OR CHARACTERISTIC, TYPICALLY FORMING ONE OF SEVERAL.
2. A CONNECTED GROUP OF PIECES OF WRITING ON THE INTERNET, WHERE PEOPLE TALK ABOUT A PARTICULAR SUBJECT.
The state of design is impossible to define, and this report doesn’t come close. Instead, this project brings together a series of threads—interwoven questions, themes, provocations, and shared feelings—that emerged from conversations and research with and for the design community. Some are expected, others unpredictable, all evocative of what it means to be a designer today.
What is good design? Who gets to decide? How are designers feeling right now? Are we tasked with too much? Are we doing enough? How is our role changing? Where does design go from here?
Design Threads isn’t the answer to these questions, but an invitation to start unraveling them together — pull out a thread, see where it takes you, and leave one of your own.
This project is a collaborative, non-commercial initiative from PORTO ROCHA and Float, in partnership with WIX Playground. It would not be possible without the many designers and creatives who participated in this research, through 1-on-1 conversations and an open survey. All participants’ quotes are kept anonymous within the report itself.
1. PORTO ROCHA
Is a New York-based design and branding agency developing creative and strategic work that engages deeply with the world we live in.
2. FLOAT
Is a strategy and cultural analysis hub that combines innovation and research methodologies to uncover the cultural shifts that matter the most. things happen; people change; get the vibes.
3. WIX PLAYGROUND
An initiative by the Wix design studio to enable the professional growth of the the next generation of design talent worldwide through industry collaborations, events and educational programs.
EVERYONE’S INVITED
While this report centers on topics relevant to visual design, you don’t have to be a designer to read it. These threads began as a collaborative effort between designers, strategists, and creatives, for the design community and beyond.
BLESS THE MESS
It’s part of the process. Our goal isn’t to resolve contradictions, but to use them as a tool that can uncover the realities of the world we’re living—and designing—in.
KEEP QUESTIONS ALIVE
Our work doesn’t end here. Each thread ends with more questions, not answers. Join in, push back, pass on (or don’t).
The content of this site is the result of interviews with 30 emerging and established design professionals from different areas of design (primarily graphic, 3D, art direction, web design, branding & advertising, among others), and 250 responses from the design community gathered through an open and anonymous online survey.
PARTICIPANTS
Of course, this sample does not represent the entirety nor plurality of the global design community. Though we attempted to include as many perspectives as possible within the limited scope of this project, we want to be transparent about the limitations of our sample.
Although designers from 32 countries and 77 different cities took part in this research, the majority of our respondents are from the United States and Brazil. However, we believe design happens everywhere—not only in the design capitals of the world.
It’s important to acknowledge that to be a professional designer is often a position of privilege. Though the design world is becoming more inclusive and accessible, we have a long way to go. We acknowledge that our sample could reflect some of the historic inequalities of the profession, even as we strive to change them.