Critical facets of a design

Every design has three fundamental facets that serve as a framework of analysis when identifying opportunities to evolve the design further, or extend it into families or standards for related designs.

What is inherent: This pertains to the product’s DNA that define its character/persona/voice and its reason for existence. Strongly correlated to product/company brand. Concerns its purpose and core functionality, expressed in successive layers of materials & interactions within the product. These are the qualities and natures.

What is emergent: This is the value that emerges in usage by the intended audience within a given context. The benefits, consequences, emotional/psychological impacts, the resultant quality of experience. These are the values and principles.

What is persistent: The material attributes of the product (visual, structural, formal) that persist across the family line or successive evolutions. These are practical and durable.

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