Embracing a philosophy of slow design centred around the art of considered craftsmanship

The design world and, consumers are increasingly recognising the benefits of slow design. As the term suggests, slow design refers to a slower pace of production incorporating all the areas that go into designing and producing a product. Slow design is about being concious of the things we make and how we make them. It is creating with care.

Embracing a philosophy of slow design requires a considerate approach to the production process by taking one’s time to plan and create an object. The concept is about honouring not rushing the process. This is where hand-craftsmanship finds its place as being central to a slow design philosophy. Craftsmanship is the embodiment of slow design because handcrafting an object and doing it well takes skill mastery, effort and time. Hand-craftsmanship counteracts mass production. Instead of churning out and saturating retail markets with products, slow handcrafted design results in small batch, limited edition or one-of-a-kind products.

Slow design also facilitates the connections of time-honoured practices with innovation, having positive impact and incorporating sustainable sourcing. Slow design considers:

People – who makes, and buys the product

A slow design philosophy respects people, their skills and the time it takes to handcraft an object. Production rooted in slow design can also bolster the maker’s physical and mental well-being as processes can provide a calming, rhythmic flow that speaks to the soul. People also refers to the customer, the person who is looking for more meaningful connections to the products they buy. Slow design can create a community around the products made as people come together to learn more about a craft and its processes.

Place – where the product is made

Slow design helps to preserve and revive interest in handcraft traditions and heritages. It encourages the passing down of skills from one generation to another as the value of what is being created is once again revered and given recognition in modern life. The skill is no longer seen as old-fashioned but as something deemed worthy to keep alive. Slow design can also encourage transparency in supply chains. Transparency calls for the sharing of where products are made and recognising the true cost of artisanal creation. Transparency is a willingness to be held accountable to maintaining the standards and safety of the environment a product is made in and for those who work within it.

Planet – how the product is made and brought to market

Slow design considers the impact design and production will have on the environment-flora and fauna, and the well-being of those that come into contact with it- maker and consumer. Slow design processes take the time to explore, select or develop the best natural or man-made materials to be used. It takes into account concerns such as immediate and long-term toxcity, product life-span and what happens when it is eventually discarded, and allows for the time to find safer and beneficial solutions.

Slow design calls for less is more consumerism by aiding greater appreciation of what is made by hand and valuing quality over quanitity. While a slower handcraft-led design process will take longer to bring a product to market, the upside is that it can also mean deeper engagement by cultivating more meaningful connections between an artisan businesses and its customers.

What does slow design mean to you? I would love to know your thoughts, do share in the comments.

[Image credits: The images shown are sourced from/belong to furkanfdemir via pexels. If downloaded and used elsewhere please credit accordingly.]