Everything is important; every detail matters.
In design, every detail matters. Regardless if it is the white space, a colour, or a shape. How far is it from the edge of the stage to where the title is positioned? Is it a view-only piece (a poster) or a piece that someone will directly interact with - a book or a phone app? Are there any "tension points" where the elements are getting too close to each other, or the opposite - they are so far apart that the relationship is diminished? In other words, great design means perfection in every detail.
In a reverse scenario, every discrepancy, every area that is not consistent, or a bit off from the grid that holds the design together contributes to the overall perception of the design. It is valid for anything from graphic design to cars and everything in between. I found a video where Chris Harris, a British automotive journalist, visits the Singer's shop where they create their DLS (Dynamics and Lightweighting Study) Porsche 911 versions. The movie is 20 min long, but throughout the visit, the attention to detail, leaving nothing to chance, is stunning. It is the same when any masterpiece is examined. And, of course, as with any design, the human aspect needs to be applied. For sure, 911 can be admired as a sculpture, but it is a whole different story when it is driven. Watch Dieter Rams' 10 principles of good design on Vimeo - it's all about people. Open-mindedness, the desire to share and discuss opinions, is behind good design practice.
My Health by Design Project is not different in the quest to look at every detail that may affect the outcome - my health. The overarching principle I tried to adhere to was driven by the desire to eradicate or, if not possible, significantly limit the amount of toxicity that enters my body, and was driven by open-mindedness. I listened to many opinions, no matter how radical. Every bit mattered, whether it was the toothpaste, dishwashing liquid, soap, or organic plant-based beverage. Over my sixty years of existence, I managed to "collect" many things that, let's say, should not be present in my system. Some got there without my conscious, but some were invited by my lack of understanding of how it works. Frankly, I was astonished at the ability of how quickly the body managed to recover once the source of toxicity was removed. Within weeks I was back on my feet.
Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to escape what "modern life" brings us in virtually everything we eat or use. But, in the last two years, I learned that still, there is a lot that can be done to clean up what needs to be cleaned. Awareness is all that is required—reading the label, checking the list of ingredients, opting for a less intrusive version, and above all - not leaving any details untouched. Every detail matters - a design principle but applicable across the board.
Find out why I got sick and how "incurable" became "curable."
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Cover image by: Carmagazine.co.uk
