The Melbourne Design Market is an idea developed by the studio in 2005, which was brought to life by the crew at the National Design Centre. The studio has had a stall at the market for several years and it is an invaluable chance to meet the people that ultimately use our work. It is also a chance for us to see what people are responding too – how they relate to the images we make, do they appreciate the messages woven into the objects. Do people willingly buy the materials on offer, or is there a period of contemplation before purchase.

It is a wonder standing on the other side of the counter. Visitors like interacting with our work and it is curious watching people investigate the pieces, make the decision to find their money, or put it back and walk away. No amount of highly considered design thinking will help the merchandise’s appeal, and no amount of convincing will make a transaction happen. The success of the designed objects is measured by one simple reality — what is left at pack up time at 5pm and what isn’t. This insight is invaluable, as it is overwhelming comparing what you think people would like and what they actually buy – often we guess right as often as we guess wrong.

Many designs we prepare for our cards, badges and publications follow a broad criteria – people respond common visual clichés – like pets, symbols and familiar situations or objects; people respond to colour and contrast; people respond to familiar gags or issues; and people respond to useful information or ideas. Then we develop work that simply looks what we think is appealing.

We highly recommend that every graphic designer develop a product, or two, and then take it to market. It is sobering to see where one’s vision for design converges with the design’s ability to capture a following or an audience.

Thanks to the crew at Studio Round who were such great company over the day, and the many people who came to visit our stall and interacted with our work. See you next time.