Parts of the design process can feel thrilling and glamorous, but in most jobs and in all studios, the bulk of the work is rather mundane. The Guggenheim in New York shattered norms on a grand scale, yet the daily tasks undertaken by drafters, junior architects, and consultants involved were largely indistinguishable from any of their previous projects.
Until automation technology advances significantly, the design industry remains tethered to this kind of labour. If a project is to come to life, then tedious, repetitive toil is a reality most in this field must accept.
The issue arises from the fact that individuals drawn to design careers often find such drudgery unengaging, and disengaged employees are costly. Their work tends to be slower and less precise than what they could achieve under more stimulating circumstances.
I’d like to suggest a small innovation in how designers approach the mundane tasks. It won’t eliminate them, but I believe it can make our time spent on these tasks more enjoyable. Drawing inspiration from the video game industry, one of the best sources of design innovations: let’s introduce easter eggs.
In video games, easter eggs are hidden features that add a personal touch, celebrating the creators who often remain anonymous. Typically added without the employer’s knowledge, I propose that such touches should be encouraged by management. When we sign our work, we claim ownership, and this sense of ownership can enhance the quality and efficiency of our work. If that signature is something delightful, creative, and personal, it could provide the creative fulfillment many designers crave during the tedious late stages of a project’s lifecycle.
The caveat is that these personal touches must be executed in a way that doesn’t compromise the functionality or experiential integrity of the final product. Like a true easter egg, the goal is to create something wonderful and benign, visible only to those who know where to look.
Designable.blog 