Designing Your Legacy to Be Understood [Part 4]

THIS IS THE Fourth BLOG IN A 10-PART SERIES EXAMINING HOW TO APPLY DIETER RAMS’ PRINCIPLES OF GOOD DESIGN TO YOUR LEGACY.

---

The fourth principle in Dieter Rams’ list of good design principles is that of making the product understandable. We gravitate toward products that align seamlessly with our expectations. Often, we exclaim that the designers “get me.” The learning curve for good design is a gentle glide down a hill, and the owner’s manual is merely a brief note that wishes the user well.  

In designing our legacies, we aim to be understood and integrated into the lives of others. Our words and deeds need to have a strong sense of clarity and authenticity. Our intent should be transparent and diffusible. Transparency is a start, but left on its own merits, it is stagnant and can be interpreted as a line drawn in the sand. However, we need to enhance transparency with diffusibility. Those we interact with should feel invited and engaged.  

If our legacies are understandable, people will know that we are givers, not takers.  They know that we are available to help, to guide, and to be. We talk about active listening. This is an essential component of being understandable. Our legacies should be accessible so that people are comfortable grasping our words and deeds.