Bad Quote by Cameron Sinclair
“When you as a designer design something that burdens a community with maintenance and old world technology, basically failed developed world technology, then you will crush that community way beyond bad design; you'll destroy the economics of that community, and often the community socially is broken.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Design for Development, 2015
Design that imposes outdated or costly tech harms a community’s economy and social fabric.
In simple terms: Bad design damages economies and societies.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize sustainable, locally appropriate design.
Themes
design
development
economics
social impact
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
practical
ethical
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- infrastructure projects
- community workshops
Key Concepts
sustainable design
technology adoption
Questions to Reflect On
- How can designers ensure technology fits local contexts?
- What metrics assess long‑term community impact?
A Different Perspective
May overlook community agency or innovation potential.
