Borrowing foundations of design
Sometimes, I find, the best inspiration for interface design comes from unlikely places. I’ve spent years trying to glean new ideas for interface and content design from other web designers here in the U.S. and in Europe, but there is something slightly incestuous about the exercise – and the results can be very similar - which has led me to seek original approaches in other places.
What I’ve discovered is that digital design can be greatly enhanced by many traditional design schools not only in other media but in other cultures as well. Japanese design, interior, graphic, even architectural, is a good example. By studying the textures and patterns that have dominated Japanese design since the 6th century, I’ve discovered there really is a symbiosis between it and 21st century digital interface design. Fine-lined grid and column work, cross-hatching patterns for large spaces, brilliantly juxtaposed textures and materials, ubiquitous natural lines of various densities and unusual (for western designers) color palettes all breathe fresh air into possible design paths online. This is nothing new to most professionals designing today in the U.S., but it’s cool to discover it for myself. Can’t wait to look for ways to apply it.
Some of my favorite sites if you want to learn more about Japanese interior and landscape design are:
Elements of Traditional Japanese Interiors
The Shinto Influence on Japanese Design
Also, a great book that is being reprinted on the subject is: