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So what is design all about? It [exists to] decrease the…

“So what is design all about? It [exists to] decrease the amount of vulgarity in the world ... to make the world a better place to be. It doesn’t have to be one style. We’re not talking about style, we’re talking about quality. Style is tangible, quality is intangible. I am talking about giving to…” quote by Massimo Vignelli
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“So what is design all about? It [exists to] decrease the amount of vulgarity in the world ... to make the world a better place to be. It doesn’t have to be one style. We’re not talking about style, we’re talking about quality. Style is tangible, quality is intangible. I am talking about giving to everything that surrounds us a level of quality.”

Massimo Vignelli

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Design exists to elevate quality, reducing vulgarity, focusing on intangible excellence over style.

In simple terms: Design should enhance quality.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize substance over style.

Themes

design quality humanism

Mood

analytical inspirational

Type

philosophical design theory

When to use this quote

  • product development
  • urban planning
  • branding
  • education

Key Concepts

aesthetic philosophy functionalism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your work reflect quality?
  • What standards define “vulgarity” for you?
A Different Perspective

Quality can be subjective and hard to quantify.

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