Writing a Design Manifesto

1. What is a design manifesto?

A design manifesto is a written statement or declaration that outlines a designer’s or architect’s core beliefs, values, and principles regarding their approach to design. It serves as a guiding document that expresses the designer, architect, or an artist’s philosophy, creative intentions, and the impact they seek to achieve through their work. A design manifesto communicates one’s unique perspective on design, aesthetics, functionality, ethics, and the role of design in society. It often addresses broader themes such as innovation, sustainability, social responsibility, and the user experience. Manifestos are used to inspire, communicate a designer’s identity, and establish a clear direction for their works.

Interested in reading some examples? Check out the related post: 5 Significant Manifesto Examples You Must Read.

2. Why should a designer or an architect write a manifesto?

A manifesto is a powerful tool to communicate design ethos, inspire others, and leave a lasting impact on the design community. Below are six main reasons why a designer or an architect should write a manifesto.

1. Clarity of Purpose: A manifesto articulates the author’s beliefs, values, and guiding principles. It helps clarify their direction, ensuring that their work remains consistent and aligned with their vision. Many believe that great architects’ or designers’ works are the “result of well-considered and defensible rationales.”^[1]
2. Authenticity: A well-crafted manifesto demonstrates authenticity and transparency. It allows others to understand the designer’s motivations, fostering trust and credibility in their work.
3. Design Advocacy: A manifesto is a powerful communication tool. It can advocate for important principles and values, such as sustainability, inclusivity, or social responsibility. It positions the designer or the architect as a thought leader and advocate for meaningful design.
4. Resilience: In the face of challenges or creative blocks, a manifesto provides a touchstone to reaffirm one’s purpose and renew creative energy. With such fast working speed in the 21st century, a designer can re-oriente him or herself by coming back to the manifesto.
5. Inspiration: A manifesto inspires both the author and others. By expressing a clear direction, a manifesto can spark enthusiasm, encourage innovation, and motivate designers or architects to push their boundaries. While it serves as a beginning, as well as the end, ideas branch out from it.
6. Legacy: A manifesto leaves a lasting legacy. It encapsulates the author’s philosophy for future generations, contributing to the broader discourse on design, architecture, and any related fields.

3. How to write a design manifesto? A step by step guide:

1. Self-Reflection and Professional Research: 

• Calm your mind or meditate before you start reflecting.
• Internally, begin by reflecting on your personal design journey. Consider the experiences, influences, and moments that have shaped your design philosophy. 
• Externally, research various design movements, philosophies, and theories that resonate with you. Identify the core problems of your profession. This will help you articulate your own unique perspective, in response to the problems people are facing.

2. Identify Core Principles:

• Define the key principles and values that underpin your design approach. What drives you in the creative process?
• Consider elements such as aesthetics, functionality, sustainability, user experience, cultural sensitivity, and social impact. 

3. Craft a Strong Opening:

• Start your manifesto with a captivating and concise introduction that sets the tone.
• Hook your readers with a thought-provoking statement or question that encapsulates the essence of your manifesto. 

4. Elaborate on Each Principle:

• Dedicate a separate section of your manifesto to each core principle. Explain the principle’s significance and how it influences your design decisions. 
• Use clear and concise language, providing examples or anecdotes to illustrate your points. 

5. Connect Principles to Real-World Impact:

• Demonstrate how your design principles translate into tangible benefits for users, communities, or the environment. 
• Highlight how your design approach addresses specific challenges or contributes to positive change.

6. Use Evocative and Concise Language:

• Now it’s time to rephrase your initial draft. Choose descriptive and evocative language that captures the emotional and sensory aspects of your design philosophy.
• Create a sense of imagery that allows readers to visualize the experiences your designs aim to create.
• While the manifesto should be expressive, you should also aim for clarity and conciseness. Avoid overly complex language that may alienate readers. 

7. Be Authentic and Personal:

• Infuse your manifesto with your own voice and personal experiences. Share stories, anecdotes, or moments that have influenced your design journey.
• Authenticity is key. It resonates with readers and makes your manifesto more relatable.

8. Inspire and Call to Action:

• Conclude your manifesto by inspiring readers to engage with your design philosophy. Encourage them to embrace similar principles in their own work or to collaborate with you.
• This will help you form or join a link-minded network in the age of social media.

9. Revise and Refine:

• Review your manifesto for coherence, flow, and clarity.
• A manifesto is always a dynamic document. It should be revised while you are actively working, based on new experiences and reflecting on social changes.   

10. Share and Engage:

• Share it with your audience, peers, and collaborators. 
• Use various platforms, such as your website, social media, or professional networks. 

4. Books You Should Read:

If you are in the process of writing a manifesto or you think writing a manifesto will be important for you in the future, you should read the books below. The first book by Conrads contains great examples of manifestos written by modern designers, architects, and artists. The second book contains both great example and guidances for you.

Book Title: Programs and Manifestoes on 20th-Century Architecture

Editor: Ulrich Conrads

Translator: Michael Bullock

Date: Nov. 15, 1975

Book Title: You Need a Manifesto: How to Craft Your Convictions and Put Them to Work

Author: Charlotte Burgess-Auburn & Stanford d.school

Date: Oct. 4th, 2022

Notes:

[1] Buday, Richard, How to Write an Architectural Manifesto, Archdaily, July 26, 2019

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