Also Quote by Henry Petroski
“Too much redesign has to do more with fad and fashion than with fitness and function. It is change for the sake of change. Such redesign is not only unnecessary, it is all too often also retrogressive, leading to things that work less effectively than those they were designed to replace.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Why Buildings Fall Down, Henry Petroski, 1995
Redesign driven by trends rather than function creates unnecessary, often regressive changes that reduce effectiveness.
In simple terms: Trend‑driven redesign can be harmful.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize function over fashion.
Themes
design
functionality
trend
regression
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
design
philosophical
When to use this quote
- product development
- architecture
- software updates
Key Concepts
human‑centered design
sustainability
innovation
Questions to Reflect On
- When is aesthetic change justified?
- How can function and fashion be balanced?
A Different Perspective
May underestimate the value of aesthetic appeal.
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![“Whether or not science can be applied to that mental construct [i.e. the designed entity] is a matter of availability. If there is body of scientific knowledge that can be applied, then it would be foolish not to exploit it. However, if there is none, it does not mean that the thing cannot be…” quote by Henry Petroski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/17d/henry-petroski-10198_availability_whether-or-not-science-can-be-applied-to_341822.jpg)
