Complementary 42: Performative Good Design
Sep 22, 2024
Dive into the ranty world of performative design! Explore the push for aesthetics over functionality and how social media pressures designers. The hosts discuss the illusion of design, where marketing often misrepresents user experience. They tackle the nuances of performance reviews and the informal dynamics of promotions in workplaces. With a humorous touch, they critique the industry's obsession with surface-level appeal and the impact on originality, making a compelling case for genuine, purpose-driven creativity.
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Performative Design Focuses on Appearance
- Performative good design often focuses on visuals to impress people on social media or portfolios rather than fulfilling the product's purpose.
- This kind of design emphasizes appearance to gain followers or jobs, not necessarily interface functionality or utility.
Capitalism Encourages Performative Design
- The corporate system requires people to impress to get jobs or promotions, nurturing performative good design.
- While understandable as a career strategy, this emphasis reinforces design that looks good primarily for social recognition.
Microsoft's Interface Marketing Videos
- Microsoft marketing videos create stunning interface demos separate from actual product look, appearing performative.
- This contrasts the impressive visuals shown to CEOs and the less polished real interface experience users get.