BENJAMIN BAS

Design Philosophy

No problem solver but a problem seeker.

Design means more to me than just solving problems through the means of a product. We often see a problem as given, but a problem already frames, to a large extent, what the solution can be. The world of design can learn a lot from philosophers in this regard. Philosophers often describe themselves as problem seekers. They are not interested in solving existing problems, but rather in searching for new problems that completely overturn our perception of reality. Such a new problem can shake up all the elements within a specific context, allowing new solutions to suddenly emerge. This is something I want to integrate into design thinking. Coming up with solutions is easy; if the problem is clear, the solution often becomes apparent. However, these solutions are sometimes too simple to bring about real change. The real challenge of design lies in designing the right problems to open up space for the future.

On the facade of the Faculty of Industrial Design where I pursued my education for 4 years, the words Design for our Future are displayed. However, it seems that we are afraid to fill in that space described by the word “Future.” Often, the future turns out to be nothing more than the present with slightly better conditions, which is not enough. Since we cannot predict the future, we need to think more broadly. The future can serve as a realm where we can think speculatively, projecting extreme problems to arrive at new insights that can relate to our current situation. Because to truly design for a better future, we must first stop reproducing the conditions of the now. These conditions lay claim to our future, and design can play a role in reopening this space.