Requirements and Aesthetics

In our design thinking module, with its focus on creativity and innovation, students seemed to consider the first two principles uncontroversial, even obvious. Creative design should be innovative, and it should be useful with respect to some business objectives or user tasks. The student's acceptance of this was consistent with definitions of creative outcomes. But what got them talking was the third principle-that good design is aesthetic. The discussion was heated. It raised passions. Most students had a view. Of course, good design is aesthetic.