What should be the canvas of a product designer?
Short Answer: Everything that is painful.
Long Answer: For the past few years, I've been watching interviews with people from various fields, ranging from film and advertising to design. I've come to realize that, as a product designer, I have become complacent in my approach to product design. My vision of problem-solving has been limited to the interface and its peripheral areas, often focusing on metropolitan audiences. Within this narrow scope, my considerations have primarily revolved around the user. While this focus is important, I now find it to be somewhat shallow.
Take Gulzar, for example. As a poet, he has written poems, essays, songs, and scripts. He has also translated works by Tagore, Ghalib, and many other great poets. His films have become milestones in Bollywood, and he has authored numerous books for various age groups. Currently, he is working on writing more books in over 18 of the 22 languages spoken in India, along with crafting dialogues for several films. His artistic canvas extends far beyond just literature or poetry.
Similarly, consider Dieter Rams in the context of design. He has created a wide range of industrial products, furniture, and more. He has articulated his design philosophy through his ten principles of good design and has also contributed as an academician. As a young aspiring designer, I am certain that Rams must have engaged with countless projects, striving to improve upon whatever he found lacking.
In the broader context of the internet and communication, I believe product design is still a young profession. My observations make me feel that my contributions to design have been insufficient when considering the societal pain points at large. I hope to find answers and new directions in the coming years.
Nicely Written