Empathy
October 26th, 2007 by J
Adrian Shaughnessy over at Design Observer has an interesting read on empathy in the field of design:
I’ve sacked a few clients in my time, but I’ve persevered with countless others who deserved to be dumped. And the reason I persevered with them was because I could see their point of view even when they were behaving unreasonably. Empathy in design leads to harmony and professional accord, perhaps even to riches. It’s an essential part of the job. But it’s also responsible for lots of mediocrity and formulaic design solutions.
I’m not sure where I come down on all of this. I agree up to a point. But that’s just me. Give the whole article and tell me what you think.
Posted in general design |
October 29th, 2007 at 8:24 am
Empathy defined is, “Identification with and understanding of another’s situation, feelings, and motives.”
I feel empathy would only enhance your ability to produce what you have “identified” (or empathsized) as your clients “needs” (or situation and motive).
October 30th, 2007 at 10:27 am
I know that I am the same as the writer and could not be like Terry Dowling- so non-empathetic. I think that is part of the job of a graphic designer… that in a way remove themselves from their own opinion and give their client exactly what they need not necessarily what they want.