Is Product Design Dying? How India Can Revive Its Soulful Core

There’s a fundamental question that often lingers in the minds of designers and consumers alike: Is product design losing its essence? It’s not as trivial as debating pineapple on pizza (definitely no, by the way). Instead, consider the iconic T-800 from Terminator 2: Judgment Day. An autonomous machine, thinking in zeroes and ones, yet its internal display shows “Threat detected,” “Target acquired”—all in English. Why? If the T-800 is the user, why the need for a human-readable interface?

This isn’t just a cinematic oversight; it highlights a critical issue within modern product design. We often prioritize dazzling aesthetics, causing functionality, practical use-cases, and the user’s true needs to take a back seat. Has design become merely a superficial embellishment? Has it lost its deeper purpose? It seems so. Product design might be losing its soul, but if any nation can spark its revival, it’s India. Yes, you read that right!

The Disconnect in Modern Product Design

The Terminator Paradox: When Design Loses Its Way

The T-800 example poses a profound question: Who is the actual user? If the Terminator itself is the primary user, raw machine-language data would be optimal. The English display was clearly for humans—its creators or the audience. This reveals a classic disconnect: designing for the showcase, not the genuine user. Many products today, particularly in the digital realm, suffer from this very issue.

Symptoms of a Fading Craft

• Aesthetics over Utility: Often, an app or website appears stunning with vibrant colors and smooth animations, yet it’s cumbersome to use. Essential features are hidden, or navigation proves overly complex, leading to user frustration. It’s akin to a beautiful sports car that runs on hopes and dreams rather than fuel.
• “More Features” Syndrome: Companies frequently fall into the trap of believing “more is better.” New updates often introduce a plethora of features, most of which remain unused. This leads to bloatware, making products slow and confusing. The core principle of good design—simplicity—is regrettably lost. My phone’s gallery app, for instance, has so many editing options, I’m convinced it could perform advanced surgery!
• Copy-Paste Design: Instead of fostering genuine innovation, many designers merely replicate popular apps or websites. This lack of original thought results in a sea of similar-looking and functioning products, devoid of unique identity or soul. It’s the design equivalent of everyone wearing the same fast-fashion outfit.
• Planned Obsolescence: Products are deliberately designed to fail after a few years, compelling consumers to purchase replacements. Durability and longevity are no longer priorities. This practice not only contributes to environmental challenges but also feels like a disservice to the consumer. My old Nokia 3310 still defies physics, while newer phones often give up the ghost prematurely.

These indicators collectively suggest that product design is losing its inherent vitality. Instead of addressing profound user needs, we often offer superficial “solutions” or, worse, create new problems. Essentially, we’re providing a band-aid for a broken leg. The underlying question is, why are we doing this to ourselves?

The Screen-Centric Life and Its Impact on Design Sensitivity

A significant factor contributing to this decline is our increasingly screen-centric existence. Consider the sheer amount of time we spend glued to phones, laptops, and televisions. Every facet of our lives seems to have gone digital. This profound shift inevitably impacts our design philosophy. The irony isn’t lost on me as I type this while staring at a screen myself.

When we consume everything through screens, our sensitivity, attention span, and ability to perceive objects through physical senses diminish. My children, for example, can spend hours on a tablet but lose interest in a tangible toy within minutes.

How Screens Diminish Our Connection to Design

• Instant Gratification: Screens deliver immediate results with a click or a swipe. This cultivates similar expectations in users, pushing designers towards quick-fix solutions rather than focusing on long-term impact and durability. Who has time to wait anymore?
• Superficial Engagement: Digital products often engage us at a superficial level through colors, sounds, and rapid rewards. These provide short bursts of dopamine but rarely foster deep engagement. Do these products truly enrich our lives, or are they merely attractive distractions? Often, it’s the latter.
• Disconnect from Reality: Excessive screen time can detach us from the real world—the textures, smells, and weights of physical objects. Designing a physical product demands an awareness of all these senses. When that awareness wanes, design can become flat and lifeless. It’s like the difference between ordering biryani online and savoring its aroma as it cooks. There’s no comparison!

Remember the profound joy of a beautifully illustrated book—a physical product that engages all our senses? Its scent, its texture, its story, transporting us into our own imagination. This is the kind of design magic we are slowly losing. If you desire to provide your children with such screen-free wonder, which not only sparks their imagination but also connects them to our rich culture, explore our books like Ramayan for Kids (Illustrated Book) and Bhagavad Gita for Kids (Hardcover) at ScreenFreeWorld. These are more than just stories; they are cherished experiences, free from low battery warnings!

India’s Rich Heritage: A Blueprint for Revival

Now, let’s turn our attention to India. Can we genuinely revive product design? Absolutely! India possesses a unique heritage, a legacy that can guide us through this contemporary crisis. And no, this isn’t just national pride speaking; it’s a profound truth.

In Indian culture, design was never solely about aesthetics. It was inextricably linked with functionality, sustainability, and even spirituality. It was the original UX design, infused with deep soul.

A Legacy of Thoughtful Creation

• Ancient Craftsmanship: Consider the breathtaking architecture of our temples, with their intricate carvings where every detail holds profound meaning. Or our traditional handlooms, whose patterns and colors tell unique stories. These creations were not only beautiful but also highly functional and built to last generations. Everything was crafted with immense care and dedication, long before the term “artisanal” became a trend.
• Vastu Shastra: More than just a science of directions, Vastu Shastra is a holistic design philosophy that balances space, light, air, and human well-being. Every element within it serves a purpose, fostering harmony within the environment. This approach teaches us that design should enhance life, not merely decorate it.
• Jugaad: While some perceive ‘jugaad’ as merely a temporary fix, its true essence lies in resourcefulness, innovation, and deep user understanding. It represents finding the best possible solution with limited resources. This “jugaad” spirit embodies a user-centric design mindset, focusing on extracting maximum value from available means. My father, fixing the TV with a clothesline, is a perfect example of ingenious Jugaad—it’s about cleverness, not just cost-cutting.
• Sustainability by Default: Traditional Indian practices inherently emphasized minimizing waste and respecting resources. Clay pots, bamboo products, and natural dyes were environmentally friendly and fostered a deep connection with the earth. This was a natural example of a circular economy, which modern design struggles to achieve today. We practiced sustainability before it became a global imperative!

All these aspects reveal that thoughtful, soulful, and meaningful design is ingrained in India’s DNA. We have always viewed objects not just as “products” but as possessing “pran” (life force). Take that, soulless apps!

How India Can Lead the Product Design Revival

India has an unparalleled opportunity to guide global product design toward a new, more profound direction. How? By proudly embracing its unique Indian identity.

Embracing the Indian Way

• Empathy-Driven Design: Our culture upholds the principle of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God). By applying this philosophy to product design, we can treat users with utmost reverence, deeply understanding their true needs, pain points, and aspirations. This goes beyond mere market research; it’s about designing with a genuine, heartfelt connection. A happy user is indeed a loyal user.
• Mindful & Holistic Approach: We can integrate spirituality and mindfulness into the design process. When a product is designed, its immediate functionality should be considered alongside its long-term impact on the user’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. This comprehensive approach must encompass sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing, and responsible post-use disposal. The question moves beyond “Does it work?” to “Does it bring peace and enhance life?”
• Local Craftsmanship & Global Appeal: India boasts an extensive pool of skilled artisans with centuries of expertise. We can strategically blend their invaluable knowledge and techniques with modern design principles and technology. Imagine integrating traditional Indian art forms into contemporary products. This would bestow products with a unique identity, allowing them to truly stand out in global markets. It’s time to move beyond minimalist trends and embrace vibrant Indian flair!
• Simplicity & Purposeful Design: The philosophy of “Less is more” has always been a cornerstone of Indian thought. We can focus on minimal, uncluttered designs that are inherently purposeful, where every element has a clear reason for its existence. Much like the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, which communicates complex life lessons through simple shlokas, good design should be profound yet simple to understand and use. My brain is already overloaded; I crave simplicity as much as another cup of chai.

By embracing our roots and learning from our rich heritage, we can design products that are not only useful but also deeply soulful. Products that not only solve problems but also infuse users’ lives with joy, peace, and meaning. And honestly, isn’t that what we all truly aspire to?

Modern parenting comes with its share of challenges, but instilling the right values and wisdom in our children can naturally structure their lives, much like thoughtful design. If you’re a parent navigating the exhilarating journey of raising tiny humans, our Parenting with Bhagavad Gita (Digital PDF) is an excellent resource. It offers time-tested guiding principles that will make your parenting journey more meaningful. Consider it your spiritual GPS for parenthood!

Conclusion: Design Isn’t Dying; Its Soul is Awakening

Product design isn’t dying; perhaps it entered a coma, losing touch with its authentic identity. However, India possesses the “sanjeevani booti”—the life-giving elixir—to revive it. Our culture, our values, our “jugaad” spirit—all can guide us toward mindful, empathetic, and sustainable design. It’s as if design is finally remembering its true purpose.

We simply need to pause, reflect, and design from the heart. When we create a product, let us imbue it with our “pran,” our soul. Let it be an experience, not merely a commodity. Something that deeply connects with the user, enhancing their life. Because ultimately, it’s not about pixels or plastic; it’s about people.

Isn’t this the essence of true design? One that is not just seen but felt. One that doesn’t just work but makes life easier and more joyful. Therefore, designers, entrepreneurs, and consumers alike must embark on this journey together. Demand more, create more meaningfully. Let’s make design soulful again!

Just as good design transcends fleeting trends, spiritual wisdom transcends time. If you wish for your children to learn these divine values in a fun, screen-free manner, be sure to explore our ScreenFree Kids books like Bhagavad Gita for Kids (Hardcover) and Ramayan for Kids (Illustrated Book) at ScreenFreeWorld! And for parents seeking to apply ancient wisdom to modern challenges, our Parenting with Bhagavad Gita (Digital PDF) is a truly indispensable read. (Seriously, it’s more effective than trying to decipher TikTok trends with your teenager.)

Let’s revive product design, the Indian way—with heart, soul, and profound wisdom. Jai Hind! 🙏