When we look back at the era of design that we are currently in, what will we be remembered for? Will it be for the colours we use. Our creative typography? Or will it be for our use of drop shadows and rounded corners?
Now I know that calling an article ‘Why I hate…’ may sound a little silly, but I do have a point here. Have you ever tried to cut a rounded corner out of paper. Its really hard. To get it smooth requires skill.
Creating a rounded corner on a computer is much easier. Normally there’s even a special rounded corner effect or tool. Or a drop shadow tool or effect. But as a result do we just use them to create a quick fix? Is it a way of making something look more ‘designed’ instantly?
We need to be careful in design that we don’t stop using skill. There’s a big difference between using a default and using a skill. One is certainly easier than the other, but one is also more obvious.
Ban some tools
As a result I am attempting to ban myself from using both the drop shadow tool and the rounded corners tool. Who’s with me?