Q:

kanye west stated that "art is to be free & design is to fix" - but how can design help people “get free”?

A:

i understand where you are coming from kanye, but hear me out.

first let’s take a look at the definition of design:

De·sign

noun: /dəˈzīn/

A design is a plan or specification for the construction of an object or system or for the implementation of an activity or process, or the result of that plan or specification in the form of a prototype, product or process.

Design is the sequential process of reaching a goal, whether it be fixing a problem, creating a system, or communicating through visuals. When it comes to working for clients and others, design becomes an objective rather than an activity of self exploration. So yes, planning and construction is usually an organized, articulated process.

However, design is an essential element to reaching self expression and freedom. The process of design leads to what “gets us free” as human beings. It can lead you down an unbeaten path, build the environment in which you learn in, construct the tools we use to create, and create systems that help us live.

Design provides the tools to our personal freedom. Exploration, knowledge, creativity, and life itself is built upon this foundation. Without design, we would not have the freedoms granted by the internet, microphones, pencils, paint brushes, and even stop signs.

so here’s a new question:

what came first -
design or art?

thanks