Aesthetic Quote by Yves Behar
“To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be. Design is how you treat your customers. If you treat them well from an environmental, emotional, and aesthetic standpoint, you're probably doing good design.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Design Talk with Yves Behar, 2015
The engineer sees the glass as a design problem, focusing on capacity and efficiency, while design is about serving customers holistically across environmental, emotional, and aesthetic dimensions.
In simple terms: Engineers view objects as functional; good design meets multiple human needs.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize user-centered, sustainable, and beautiful solutions.
Themes
design
user experience
sustainability
functionality
empathy
Mood
thoughtful
inspired
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- product development
- architectural planning
- brand strategy
- customer service
- environmental impact assessment
Key Concepts
human-centered design
systems thinking
ergonomics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance aesthetic appeal with functional efficiency?
- What trade‑offs are acceptable for sustainable design?
A Different Perspective
Design cannot ignore practical constraints like cost or technical feasibility.
