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April 27 • Cultural Insight

World Design Day

Function vs. Aesthetics. This lesson explores the architecture of life and whether a beautiful object that doesn't work is better than a ugly object that is perfect.

World Design Day Lesson Visual

Speaking Discussion

  • Does good design make you a better person?
  • Should city planners be allowed to ban ugly buildings even if they are cheap to build?
  • Why are we more likely to trust an app that looks beautiful?
  • If you had to design a New chair for people who work 12 hours a day, what would it look like?
  • Is minimalism a design style or a psychological defence against a messy world?

Activity 1: The Urban Planner

The Task: Your city is depressing. Everyone is sad. You have $1 Million to design a mood shift. You can't use money for social services. You must use it for visual changes (e.g., lighting, paint, shapes). Pitch your happy city plan.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Justify in 30 seconds: 1. 'Form should follow function, and anything else is just a waste of space.' 2. 'Living in an ugly environment is a form of slow violence.' 3. 'The most 'designed' part of your life is actually your personality.'