Absolutely glad that my post connected with you Most absolutely definitely, i myself believe in the power of design, being a partner in an industrial design firm as well.

You’re right – people sometimes mistake the profession narrowly as pure aesthetics when in fact it’s that but so much more. This is why I really believe that Designers and Design Thinkers must be elevated in the Philippines.

best,
Mark

“but i guess the design industry also has something to contribute to that public perception through the way WE present ourselves and OUR work.”

haha, almost forgot that i’m part of that same circle.

your article reminds me of a discussion in one of my masters classes in interior design. my professor pointed out that, at least here in the philippines, the society and we professionals ourselves underestimate what designers (graphic artists, architects, interior designers, fashion designers) are capable of with regards to social change and community building.

In any industry there’s space for multiple business models — you can have a McDonald’s (mass production for maximum affordability) vis-a-vis Brothers Burger (customizable, slightly more expensive) vis-a-vis T.G.I.Friday’s (in the burgerworld, relatively on the high-end).

But here’s the beautiful thing – while they’re all into burgers, by virtue of the fact that they have different business models — and in this case starkly different target markets — they’re not necessarily competing for the same sales. Of course, it’s a different case when you compare them within similar business models – McDonald’s vs Jollibee, Brothers Burger vs Wham!, T.G.I.F. vs Chili’s – but when you talk about business models, the marketing opportunity expands.

In the same vein and as applied to designers, crowdsourcing I feel will also have its place vis-a-vis the need for niche and dedicated designers. Crowdsourcing will target those who are looking for quick and affordable designs while those who have higher-order needs will seek out more specialized designers.

Loved the article.

If I may digress, since you mentioned crowdsourcing, (all things considered) do you agree/disagree with the business model?