The world has lost sight of the importance of passion-driven design

From 1995 to 2010, I enjoyed a rare creative freedom in my practice, with clients entrusting me to bring my imagination and vision to life. This era reminded me of the innovative spirit of the 1960s-1990s, when visionaries like Verner Panton, Eero Aarnio, Joe Colombo, Gaetano Pesce, Sottsass, and Ron Arad pushed boundaries.

However, I sensed a seismic shift in the industry. The rise of the “mood board era” marked a turning point, where clients began dictating design direction by referencing existing work. This post-modern mentality celebrated mimicry over innovation, disrespecting the creator’s unique voice and driving their work toward mediocrity.

Today, marketing dictates design. The prioritization of profit over passion has led to a homogenization of creativity. Fashion, automobiles, interiors, hotels, and furnishings have all succumbed to this phenomenon. Brands and manufacturers now tell designers what they want, based on a desire for sameness rather than uniqueness.

The world has lost sight of the importance of passion-driven design. Once, every company and brand stood for its own distinct vision and identity. Now, money takes precedence, and passion is an afterthought. The consequences are evident: a sea of sameness, devoid of true innovation and creativity.

© 2025  Karim Rashid