Perhaps the trick is understanding when to use which resource. I wouldn't want a non-designer designing my company's public face in the world. But I wouldn't pay a designer to create a flyer for my band's next gig. There's clearly demand for a design tool for non-designers, and I applaud the recognition of the power and importance of being able to communicate visually. Not everyone with Microsoft Word (or Google Docs) is a writer, and we don't argue about who should be using it. I believe the importance of visual communication is trickling down, and the tools are reflecting the moment we're in societally.
As to whether a tool can make people better designers, I think anyone who wants to be a better designer can learn it. And anyone who doesn't care, won't. But don't forget that our tools are opinionated, and they nudge our behaviors and decisions. Keynote makes much better looking slide decks than PowerPoint by default. Users don't have to work as hard to make things look good. And the evidence so far suggests that Canva is similar, that it has some design decisions baked in, or at least some shortcuts and defaults that consider design best practices.
Thanks for your comment, Denise, as always. I particularly appreciate this observation: "our tools are opinionated, and they nudge our behaviors and decisions." Very true.
I did have to laugh in the end. Your tools v people is brilliant.
Great article and brain teaser, as always!
Perhaps the trick is understanding when to use which resource. I wouldn't want a non-designer designing my company's public face in the world. But I wouldn't pay a designer to create a flyer for my band's next gig. There's clearly demand for a design tool for non-designers, and I applaud the recognition of the power and importance of being able to communicate visually. Not everyone with Microsoft Word (or Google Docs) is a writer, and we don't argue about who should be using it. I believe the importance of visual communication is trickling down, and the tools are reflecting the moment we're in societally.
As to whether a tool can make people better designers, I think anyone who wants to be a better designer can learn it. And anyone who doesn't care, won't. But don't forget that our tools are opinionated, and they nudge our behaviors and decisions. Keynote makes much better looking slide decks than PowerPoint by default. Users don't have to work as hard to make things look good. And the evidence so far suggests that Canva is similar, that it has some design decisions baked in, or at least some shortcuts and defaults that consider design best practices.
Thanks for your comment, Denise, as always. I particularly appreciate this observation: "our tools are opinionated, and they nudge our behaviors and decisions." Very true.