Our Statement of Accountability is a reminder to hold ourselves accountable as designers. During the process of relaunching the hide we spent a lot of time researching current trends within design and also the wider global context. This body of work informed our values going forward as a studio. The concept of holding oneself to account became a key driver in how we began to talk about ourselves and our work.
One of the outcomes we produced during this time was the 'Statement of Accountability', a fourteen point list of things that we mustn’t forget. A commitment to both ourselves and to our clients to be better designers.
Find out more about the research that led to the creation of the hide here.
01. Remain light-footed.
To never limit oneself to a particular style or way of thinking. To allow space for creativity. To explore, play, create. Keep work broad, don’t specialise. Delve into an area you know nothing about.
02. Reinvigorate. Reframe. Reinvent.
To not allow to grow stale, to keep abreast of changes in the industry and the wider world. Research. Experiment. Try new ways of working. Change up the approach to a project.
03. Nurture a sense of balance.
Whether between design and strategic thinking, creativity and practicality, time, cost, ideas and research. To hold a steady balance whilst allowing to push boundaries.
04. Always consider the third perspective.
What is the alternate view? Where is the balanced perspective? Are there any hidden issues within the design problem? Is a different way of looking at it?
05. Think ahead.
Where is this going? What could it be? Focus on the future. Consider a speculative approach to the project. What does this look like in xx years?
06. Explore the spectrum.
Where does a project sit? Where could it sit? The spectrum of a project, from safe to radical, from serious to playful. What is the spectrum of research? Of ideas? Of solutions?
07. Explore the humble, the intuitive.
Consider the possibilities of a simpler solution. Quiet but effective. Thought through, sensitive responses.
08. Don’t over-complicate.
Stay small. Keep it simple. Allow breathing room. Don’t take on additional complexities. What is the simplest solution? Occam’s razor.
09. Consider the various metrics of success.
Evaluate. Rebalance. Is it ‘good’ design? Is it portfolio worthy? Does it push the boundaries of your practice? Does it challenge you or make you uncomfortable?
10. Elevate the ‘Company of One’ mindset.
Build your business around your life, not the other way around. Better, not bigger. How can others add to this? How can collaboration manifest?
11. See adversity as opportunity.
Redefine work, adapt to change. See coming shifts and pivot. What are the restraints? How can they be challenged?
12. Embrace personal projects.
Explore, experiment, prototype. 20% time. Capture a thought, an idea and bring it into reality.
13. Collaborate.
Work hand in hand with carpenters, architects, printers and manufacturers. Collaborate with people who work in a sector or industry you know nothing about. Learn from them.
14. Eight. Eight. Eight.
Eight hours labour, Eight hours recreation, Eight hours sleep. An entitlement to education, recreation and rest.