The more and more I contemplate design and what makes something “good,” I keep coming back to the same point. Good design is made by the details.
I learned this concept nearly three years ago. Gerald Maffei was the professor; one day he looked at one of my designs (a steel / glass structure a.k.a Reagan National Airport) he chastised me for not considering the details. I responded, “I don’t like details…”
He calmly suggested that I reconsider… “Design is in the details,” he said. “Every bolt, connection, and cable affects the outcome of the building.” (Loosely quoted).
And so I stewed; and then I reconsidered.
He was right. He still is right. The difference between good design and great design is in the details. Look at the iPod and compare it to the Dell DJ; you can see the difference. Look at the interior of a GM car and compare it to a Lexus or an Acura. The details make a difference.
As I create websites, I find that shadows and gradients make a difference. The patterns and alignment matter. The navigation has to be simple and useful. All are details that make or break a website.
But details are important in more things than just design. The party you’re planning: think of the small things–it will make it more fun. That event at church: think about the people who will have to staff it. Your vacation to Las Vegas: don’t forget the Cirque de Soleil tickets a year in advance.
The details make a difference. Take time and embrace them as you start new projects in life. You’ll be glad you did…

I love to watch the corporate world slowly realize how important design is. We have watched Apple, Target, Ikea, and more illustrate how design sells…even if only to a small group (Apple). And we also watched how Target went from another Walmart, to a cool store.
But every now and again I see the old mindset come through again and again. Judy Siverson is running for Houston City Council District C:

I didn’t want to spend money on frivolous expenses like graphic designs.

The old mindset still remains! Some people don’t see the value of design yet, but I think their days are numbered.