March 2005
 
 
 
 
 

An interview with Von R. Glitschka:
bad designs kill

www.BadDesignKills.com

 Press Release: A Revolt Against the Revolting
 
 
All images have been used with permission. All images are copyrighted and strictly for educational and viewing purposes.
 
 
   
 
 

What, in your opinion, is the definition of Bad Design?

Anything uninspiring. Good Design inspires. Think about it, when was the last time you admired Good Design that was uninspiring? I wouldn't want to create a definition of Bad Design but rather point out common attributes inherent in Bad Design. The key ones being:

* Lack of concept
* Sloppy execution
* Tool driven
* Poor use of typefaces
 
 
   
 
 
What's the best example of Bad Design you've seen?

Boy you really want to get me in trouble don't you? I think the Yellow Pages of any city is a testimony to Bad Design. The most high profile example recently that comes to mind is the new VH1 logo. The problem from what I've read is it was selected by a committee, which is always a sure way to neuter any unique solutions.

Locally in my own sphere of influence it is a logo for a trucking company called "Stewart Stiles Trucking". I approached them about re-designing it and giving it a higher perceived value. The owner asked, "What do you mean by higher perceived value?". I said, "Well it looks like the logo was drawn on a cocktail napkin". Without hesitation, the owner said, "It was and we've been using it for 20 years". LOL. You do your best to educate the public but you obviously can't win them all.
 
 
   
 
 
When and why were you inspired to expose these "designers"?

It's not about exposing anyone. Too many think it's like a "Gestapo" mentality or "Design Police". BDK is just a portal to showcase the known attributes of Bad Design by creating conceptual design propaganda that causes the viewer to recognize the problem while hopefully laughing about it at the same time. The fact Bad Design is being done isn't our concern, we will never stop that. We can however let the public know that there is a reason why it is Bad and our BDK content helps to illustrate that in a fun and unique way. The problem we wish to address head on with BDK is the publics poor perception as to the intrinsic value of Good Design; Bad Design only continues that poor perception and facilitates the attitude that many non-designers have that says "Anyone with a computer, fonts and clip art can do that".

The site is geared for designers not the public at large to access.
 
 
   
 
 
Who are your favorite designers?

Neville Brody, Paul Rand, Jim Flora, and my good buddy Paul Howalt.
 
 
   
 
 
What makes great design?

Great concepts. Period. The end.
 
 
   
 
 
What's an example of great design?

Go to the personal sites of the designers who have contributed to BDK and you'll see a plethora of great design. And that is because they create strong concept based solutions.

Some of them are:

www.howaltdesign.com
www.updesignbureau.com
www.designbureauofamerika.com
www.gretemangroup.com

And a shameless plug for:
www.vonglitschka.com
 
 
For information about Von R. Glitschka please visit:

www.vonglitschka.com
 
 
 
 
 
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