John Thackara's book In the Bubble: Designing in a Complex World discusses the connection between design and environmental sustainability. In fact, he points out that about eighty percent of a products environmental impact is determined in the design stage. Because of this, designers must understand what would benefit the product the most.
Designs should portray the product in a way that people find pleasing. In such a busy and crowded world, simplistic designs seem most appealing. To me, these simplistic designs are attractive because they tend to be clean. To look at something that is simple against a very chaotic setting is refreshing once in a while.
People must not forget that design is a creative process. Yes, technology is used during the process, but relying on it too much can impede creativity. I recently read a study that said that although people like to think multitasking is helpful, it can actually be harmful to the creative process. That being said, it is important to take some time off from technology and all its distractions in order to come up with the best design. Throughout this creative process, designes need to be conscious of their impact, both environmentally as well as socially.
