As adherents to the slow design movement, these two take a more holistic approach to the design process. Part of this means placing an emphasis on preliminary research and taking into account the unique regional factors, like the high cost of labor in Denmark for example, that will later play a role in production. Part of this also means designing with sustainability in mind. They don’t churn out products that will be used one day and relegated to an attic corner the next — these devotees design with sustainability and longevity in mind.
One offshoot of the slow design movement is the idea of producing a high-quality product that is also affordable and will last. In a market that is dictated by cheap goods produced fast, affordable products that don’t sacrifice quality are few and far between. They do that by focusing on good design, and that’s all about utility and function infused with beauty and aesthetics.
Focusing on good design doesn’t mean focusing on any one particular aspect whether it’s aesthetics, function, or regional peculiarities. They all work together seamlessly, each has its role and no one element is more valuable than the other. Because of the meticulous nature of this process, creating a slew of meaningless products to be strewn about the home just isn’t an option. Thoughtful design gives the customer the chance to pick and choose a select few items that speak to them. As Fernando notes,
“IF YOUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE, YOU’RE NOT GOING TO GRAB THE TRINKET YOU BOUGHT AS AN IMPULSE ITEM. YOU’RE GOING TO GRAB THE ITEMS THAT MEAN SOMETHING TO YOU. IT’S ABOUT HAVING LESS AND CARING MORE.” – Nanna