“Designers are natural innovators with the ability to creatively problem-solve.” — (The Design Experience; Cooper & Press, 2003, p.195)
Research has shown clear links between design and innovative solutions. Statements like “design is problem solving” have become popular as understanding around this multi-disciplined field grows. In the Caribbean, however, we’re still battling with educating the public of design’s role beyond “the art of prettifying” and personally subjective popularity contests.
While the “form” of design has often been valued in the Caribbean, the “function” of design hasn’t always been recognised, far less documented. A focus on problem-solving redirects the conversation to design’s function. To distance design from either its functional and solution-providing attributes or its attractive, beautiful or art-based aesthetic could hinder the evolution of Caribbean design. We need an understanding and appreciation of design in both capacities.