Design Is A Service Industry
During a meeting where a fellow employee was task with presenting a series of designs, the resulting discussion that followed was less of a critique and more of a plea to the quality and effort put into the design work. Some believed that there was not enough information to justify any design claims made, while other’s contested that there was not enough design exploration to feel comfortable making critical decisions. The rebuttal that followed by the Designer was not convincing, coming across as selfish, jaded and otherwise lazy. This seems rather harsh, but at the end of the day, Design is in the service of others. In this case, the service was to provide a variety of visual representations of solutions that sparked curiosity and excitement that would drive a discussion of possibilities for the future of the company’s product assortment, but what was shown was a collection of doodles that varied slightly more or less from one another relying heavily on exposition and imagination.
People assign specific industries to “service” such as farmers, doctors, nurses, cops, firefighters, cooks, and more. All of which are categorized together due to their particular interaction with the general public as a result of their efforts. But within their definition being in the service of others, technically all jobs are considered a service industry if you look at their impact.
From bustling restaurants to high-end hotels, this dynamic field requires a unique blend of skills and qualities. The ability to think on your feet, adapt to fast-paced environments, and provide exceptional customer service are paramount. Whether you're a server, bartender, or hotel concierge, every day presents new opportunities to interact with diverse personalities, handle unexpected situations, and strive for perfection. While it can be demanding both physically and mentally, the service industry also offers a rewarding sense of accomplishment as you play a pivotal role in creating memorable experiences for customers. From the joy of successfully executing a flawlessly timed service to the satisfaction of turning a disgruntled client into a happy one, working in the service industry brings forth invaluable lessons in empathy, teamwork, and resilience. After you reread the above, one can see why all fields of work are inherently in the service of others. These are what I like to call transferable skills that should lay at the foundational base of all skill sets that follow thereafter if someone were to assume they can achieve a greater outcome than their peers.
Product design is more than just creating pretty visuals or aesthetically pleasing products. It is a service industry that goes beyond artistry and tackles the core needs and challenges of clients. Designers act as problem solvers, utilizing their expertise to understand the objectives, target audiences, and constraints of a project. They work closely with graphic designers and clients to develop solutions that not only capture attention but also effectively communicate messages or convey emotions. Designers need to possess a deep understanding of human psychology, cultural influences, and market trends to craft experiences that resonate with end-users. This focus on empathy and user-centered design allows designers to offer a service that enhances products, interfaces, or environments, ensuring they meet the needs and desires of the intended audience. Ultimately, design as a service industry is about delivering tailored solutions that are both visually striking and functionally effective.
Product development follows side by side with design as a service industry. Product development services collaborate closely with others to bring ideas to life, leveraging their expertise in research, design, engineering, and manufacturing. As a service, product development providers offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. From concept generation and prototyping to testing and production, these professionals guide clients through every stage of the development process, delivering innovative and market-ready products. By staying up-to-date with technology trends, industry regulations, and consumer demands, product development service providers are able to deliver timely and high-quality solutions, enabling businesses to adapt and thrive in a competitive marketplace.
-Busy Brain