When you go from good to great, there’s this element of delight and magic that has to happen in design.

Massimo Vignelli

Achieving excellence in design requires not only technical skill and expertise, but also a deep understanding of the user experience and a keen eye for aesthetics. When a designer is able to elevate their work from good to great, there is often a sense of delight and magic that occurs. This can happen in a variety of ways, depending on the specific design project and the intended audience.

One way to create this magic is by incorporating unexpected or surprising elements into the design. This could mean using a unique color scheme, incorporating an unexpected visual element, or using a novel layout or typography. When these elements are used effectively, they can create a sense of excitement and delight for the user.

Another way to create magic in design is by focusing on the details. Great design is often characterized by a high level of attention to detail, from the way a button looks and feels to the way the text is aligned on the page. By obsessing over these details and refining them to perfection, a designer can create a sense of magic and delight that comes from a design that feels truly polished and complete.

Ultimately, the key to creating this sense of delight and magic in design is to approach each project with a deep sense of curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to experiment and take risks. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible and striving for excellence in every aspect of the design, a designer can create a truly unforgettable user experience that is both functional and beautiful.

There are many ways to create magic through design, but one effective approach is to incorporate unexpected or surprising elements into the design. These elements could be unique and innovative uses of color, typography, imagery, or layout, or any other design element that helps to create an engaging and memorable experience for the user.

For example, a website or app could use playful animations or creative illustrations to add an element of surprise and delight for the user. A brand identity could incorporate a distinctive color scheme or unexpected combination of design elements to create a unique and memorable visual identity. A product packaging design could use innovative materials or unusual shapes to create a sense of intrigue and excitement for the consumer.

The key to creating magic through design is to think outside the box and explore new and unconventional ideas. By taking risks and being willing to experiment with different design approaches, a designer can create a sense of delight and wonder that captures the attention of the user and leaves a lasting impression.

Here are five examples of creating magic through design by thinking outside the box:

1. Using augmented reality (AR) in product packaging design: Some companies are incorporating AR technology into their product packaging to create an immersive and interactive experience for the user. For example, a wine bottle label could use AR to display the vineyard and winery in a 360-degree view or provide tasting notes and pairing suggestions.
2. Incorporating unconventional materials in product design: A designer could experiment with using unique materials such as recycled plastic, bamboo, or cork in the creation of a product. This approach not only creates an eco-friendly design, but also provides a distinctive and innovative aesthetic.
3. Creating abstract or unconventional visuals in brand identity design: Some designers are moving away from traditional logo design and instead creating abstract, expressive visuals that capture the essence of the brand. For example, a brand that promotes health and wellness could use an abstract shape that conveys the feeling of balance and harmony.
4. Experimenting with typography: Typography can be a powerful tool for creating a distinctive and memorable design. A designer could experiment with creating custom typefaces or combining different fonts to create a unique visual identity.
5. Creating immersive digital experiences: Digital design offers an almost limitless canvas for designers to create immersive and engaging experiences. For example, a website could use parallax scrolling, animation, and video to create an interactive and engaging user experience that captures the user’s attention and draws them into the content.

Design is a powerful tool for creating memorable and engaging user experiences, but achieving true magic in design requires thinking outside the box and taking risks. By experimenting with unconventional materials, innovative technologies, and unexpected design elements, designers can create a sense of delight and wonder that captures the attention of users and leaves a lasting impression. The key is to approach each design project with a sense of curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of what is possible. By doing so, designers can unlock the full potential of their craft and create designs that are truly unforgettable.