| An oversimplified take on the distinction between art vs. design: Design seems to be about getting users/ consumers to behave in a certain way, or utilize what you made for a specific end. Art seems to be about the artist expressing something aesthetically via whatever medium, in order to get an audience (could even be 1 person, but usually hoping to appeal to a certain crowd) to consider said audiences internal responses to whatever the artwork may evoke or provoke. There can be overlap, but the intended goals seem to be about "outward" behavior for design, versus inward responses and reactions in genuine and earnest attempts at art (be it high or low). The money factor can sully all of it, of course, but removing money also doesn't guarantee a "purity" to either, per se. But the more incentive to monetize in massive ways, the more the art will feel less genuine in its core, even if it is able to garner attention and evoke reactions. Again, very oversimplified. But as such, I think product design is far more about getting its users to behave and find use of the product in specific outward ways. |