Let us bridge the business and creativity lingo
When I graduated as a Furniture and Product Designer in 1988, it became clear that we should also learn to communicate in “Business Language.” This call to action made me reflect on the implicit division of people into different camps: those who speak “Business Language” and those who speak “Creative Language.”
But this sharp division is not necessary!
There is a way to unite these two worlds and overlapping interests.
In a society where economic growth is often prioritized, it is easy to overlook the importance of aesthetics and design. There is a tendency to measure success in numbers and profit, but the reality is far more nuanced. Not everything is just about numbers and revenue, just as not everything is solely about form and aesthetics. It’s about finding a balance and recognizing the value of both perspectives.
Balancing Business and Aesthetics
Communication across disciplines requires us to understand and respect different ways of seeing the world. The precision and profit-oriented focus of the business world must meet the value-adding creativity and intuition of the design world. Both languages are necessary, and one should not be undervalued at the expense of the other, they are in fact complementary.
When we creatives learn “Business Language,” it is crucial that we do not lose our own identity in the process. The goal is not to replace our language but to communicate effectively with others. This balance between business and aesthetics, between numbers and form, is essential for creating products and solutions that are both economically viable and meaningful.
Diversity: The Strength Behind a Common Goal
Ultimately, it is about creating a dialogue where all parties are acknowledged, heard, and understood. When we open ourselves to different perspectives, we can create something greater than the sum of its parts.
This is an insight that I have happily worked with since 1988.
Business Lingo Case:
Creative ideas and conceptual sketches led to a series of new commercial video players designed for KiSS Technology from 2000 to 2004.
In just eight years, KiSS Technology became worth nearly 374 million Danish kroner.
The American IT giant Cisco Systems acquired the Danish technology company for 61 million dollars in 2005.
Bonus Info:
“Utilizing design can increase a company’s revenue by 32%.”
Read about business statistics HERE