WHY WE LOVE SLOW DESIGN
Let us count the ways... But first, what exactly is slow design? Let's start with design itself. There are six principles of design:
1. Balance
2. Contrast
3. Emphasis
4. Repetition + Rhythm
5. Harmony
6. Scale + Proportion
These design principles are simple but they're the foundation of all good design, be it fashion, interiors, or slow design. And to be truthful, slow design isn’t a new movement; it’s been around for centuries, but the current generations seem to have discarded it for ‘fast’ design trends. Fast design + fast production = more sales and poor quality. It may cost you less, but how long before it breaks, or loses its lustre or you get tired of it because now everyone has one?
Sustainable and Ethical
Slow design is thoughtful design. It is considerate. It considers the environment, the sustainability factor, and the final user. Yes, it takes you into consideration. This is the thing. Not only do sustainable, ethical products created with slow design benefit the creator and their surroundings, but they benefit the consumer in so many ways. We’ve all heard of better living through design. Now we have much better living through slow design.
Feng Shui is Slow Design
The Chinese practice of Feng Shui is slow design. And you can see it in the six design principles above. Look at number 1, balance. The Yin and Yang. Or number 2, contrast. Again, Yin and Yang (opposing but complementary forces that cannot be separated). The Chinese have been using Feng Shui in their homes – and to design their towns for over 4,000 years. When something has been around that long, you know it works.
Slow design is intentional design. It’s taking the time to choose the raw material. Making sure the choice is sustainable and making sure that the process is fair to every artisan involved in the creation of the piece. It leads to slow production, which is often dependent on weather, harvest cycles and customs.
Organic and Harmonious
Slow design is personal. There is emphasis on the creation process and on the end user. The process is organic and harmonious and in proportion with all that surrounds it. The artisan cares about your relationship with their pieces. They don’t just design a piece based on the buyers’ specifications and hand it in and design another one. They put their souls into their creations from the very initial design. Along with our artisans, we hope that the intention interwoven into the pieces – from start to finish – will foster a deep appreciation for slow design.
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