How many times have I heard "I don't like that colour?" or "can you try it in a different font?" or "I think that line would look better reversed out of orange"? Or even "I don't like that pic". Countless times. I may have even uttered those words myself!

Design can be such a personal thing. An external manifestation of your thoughts, feelings, aesthetic sensibilities and what makes you tick. Even when you have a set of brand guidelines, they are still subject to your own interpretation. So when I hear these kind of remarks - it kinda bums me out. But am I being too sensitive? Am I taking things too personally? Do I need to take a step back and be more objective? I came across this site which gives you the chance to read "opinions on corporate and brand identity work". It makes for some interesting reading.

I typed "What is good design?" into Google and this caught my eye: Taste For Makers

I've no idea who this guy is, but he makes some good points and raises some interesting questions. He writes:

Saying that taste is just personal preference is a good way to prevent disputes. The trouble is, it's not true. You feel this when you start to design things.

Whatever job people do, they naturally want to do better. Football players like to win games. CEOs like to increase earnings. It's a matter of pride, and a real pleasure, to get better at your job. But if your job is to design things, and there is no such thing as beauty, then there is no way to get better at your job. If taste is just personal preference, then everyone's is already perfect: you like whatever you like, and that's it.

I'll get me coat then. Seriously though, what do other people think? Is design subjective or is there only ever one true way?

Steve Tse