As a design consultancy, clients tell us their greatest challenges and ask us to utilize our creative process to design solutions that will differentiate them from their competition and drive their business’s growth into the future. And while the world sees the end result, in the form of the products that come to market, they do not see the time and relentless effort that was put forth to generate the new, original design ideas: observations, interviews, academic research, benchmarking, brainstorming, synthesis, model making, consumer preference testing, iteration, failures, restarts, breakthroughs, value engineering, manufacturing optimization, marketing, etc etc. Developing original design ideas is as rewarding as work can be, but it is hard work, and can be very time consuming. Since so much work happens “behind the scenes,” the adage that it takes years to make an overnight success is very appropriate for design innovation.
Stryker Prime TC
Since 2000, when Time Magazine devoted an entire issue to the rebirth of design in America, consumers have come to expect great design, at every price point. We have seen design become integral to corporate strategy across most industries. These developments have been great for the country in general and for the design industry in particular. However, as with every development, there is a newfound need for educating the public about design; how to think about it, appreciate it, protect it, value it. And we love that Be Original Americas is taking on that challenge. So when we discovered Be Original Americas, becoming a member was a no-brainer. We are likeminded. We have shared values and passion about the value of design. We are similarly informed about the risks of being copied, knocked off, or otherwise having one’s authenticity compromised.
Stryker Prime TC
A lot happens behind the scenes that leads to a final solution.
For the companies who we are fortunate to call our clients, original design work requires commitment and a longer term perspective. In order to reap the plentiful rewards of an investment in original design, vision, determination and patience are vital client characteristics. We seek “enlightened” clients who understand design’s power to transform consumer experiences, companies and industries.
Alessi Teakettle, Target Phone, JCP Toaster
Alessi Teakettle, Target Phone, JCPenney Toaster
While the famous quotation states that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” when you are a manufacturer reliant on sales to generate a return on your design investment or a design firm dependant on royalties on sales for your income, being copied does not feel like praise or reverence. It is through this perspective that we are committed to Be Original Americas mission, to contributing our voice to this important cause, and to driving growth and success in the design sector at large.
Design is where big ideas encounter practical constraints and enduring solutions are created that enhance our world.
We think of design as the confluence of art and commerce, of creating a repeatable process of foresight. Design is where big ideas encounter practical constraints and enduring solutions are created that enhance our world. Designers who develop the big ideas, companies who fund and commercialize their work, and consumers who benefit are dependent on a fair system. We are thrilled that Be Original Americas is championing this important cause.
ABOUT BE ORIGINAL AMERICAS
Be Original Americas is a 501(c)6 non-profit committed to informing, educating and influencing manufacturers, design professionals and individuals on the economic, ethical, and environmental value of authentic design while preserving and investing in its future. The value of authenticity cannot be underestimated or taken for granted in the marketplace. Through an extensive program of lectures, workshops and round tables, the campaign goal is to establish a set of industry standards that encourages consumers, the architecture/design community, producers, dealers and media partners to fully support creativity and authenticity in order to invest in the future of design, incentivize innovation and give back to the industry and the people it serves.