Often, we all find ourselves in a discussion, a kind of taste tribunal, where everyone has different opinions on what is good or bad taste.
Everyone has an opinion – from customers to colleagues, people in general.
But it is naive to believe that consensus can be reached on what is ugly or beautiful!
It is a personal perception of what is beautiful or ugly, appealing or repulsive.
Poul Henningsen, or PH, one of Denmark’s greatest designers, exemplifies this with his revolutionary three-shade system from 1926, which transformed the lamp industry through functionality.
For me, this functional light possesses an elegant, deeply poetic quality.
PH, who was a firm opponent of snobbery, said:
“There is no good and bad taste. There is only good taste, and it is bad.”
This statement challenges our perceptions of design and taste and reminds us that what we consider beautiful or ugly is subjective and often shaped by cultural norms and personal perceptions.
When we take the time to analyze some of today’s designs, it is clear that some brands make unconventional choices that many professionals, including myself, might only consider for a brief moment before dismissing them. Once a product hits the market, these choices must withstand the test of time, which will show that what is timeless and what is fleeting cannot be predicted.
As designers and design lovers, we must accept this unpredictability and give credit to those who dare to experiment and explore new approaches.
After all, it is through these bold choices that innovation and timeless beauty can emerge.
Design, which everyone can appreciate, risks becoming too conventional and generic.
When trying to please everyone, you often end up diluting the creative edge that makes design unique and memorable. It may lack character and identity, making it less inspiring and less likely to stand out or create a lasting impact and presence.
It is only time that markets and users will remember.
My call to action is: Ask yourself whether what you see is a strange flash in the pan, or perhaps a classic of tomorrow?
Let’s nuance the conversation and use some other differentiating concepts than just beautiful and ugly, right and wrong – perhaps interesting and unexpected, provocative and thought-provoking.
It is in these spaces that design can truly live and inspire.
Both lamps here are from 1926.
On the left, René Lalique – Soleil
On the right, Poul Henningsen – PH 3.5/2
© Copyright Svend Onø