Meaning: Genevieve Gorder, an American television host and interior designer, expresses her frustration with the portrayal of design on television shows in this quote. She emphasizes the importance of understanding people's behaviors, habits, and needs in order to create effective and meaningful designs. Gorder's perspective sheds light on the misconception that design is solely about aesthetics and visual appeal, rather than a deep understanding of human experiences and interactions with the environment.

In her statement, Gorder highlights the misconception that design is an "ambush," implying that it is often portrayed as a surprise or an imposition on people's lives. She challenges this notion by emphasizing that design is, in fact, a relationship. This relationship extends beyond the visual aspects of design and delves into the ways in which individuals interact with and experience the spaces around them.

Gorder's assertion that "you have to know how people move and live and work to be able to design for them" underscores the human-centered approach to design. This approach prioritizes empathy, understanding, and observation of people's behaviors and needs as the foundation for creating meaningful and functional designs. It involves studying the ways in which individuals navigate and utilize their living and working spaces, as well as identifying the challenges and opportunities within those environments.

By acknowledging the importance of understanding people's movements, lifestyles, and work habits, Gorder emphasizes the need for designers to immerse themselves in the real-life experiences of the individuals for whom they are designing. This goes beyond simply creating visually appealing spaces and requires a deep understanding of the practical and emotional aspects of human interaction with the designed environment.

Gorder's perspective aligns with the principles of user-centered design, a methodology that places the needs and experiences of users at the forefront of the design process. This approach involves conducting research, gathering insights, and engaging with the end users to inform the design decisions. By understanding the nuances of how people interact with their surroundings, designers can create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, comfortable, and supportive of the users' activities and well-being.

Furthermore, Gorder's critique of the portrayal of design on television shows reflects the common misrepresentation of the design process. Many television programs tend to focus on the dramatic transformations and visual impact of design, often overlooking the in-depth research and human-centric considerations that underpin successful design outcomes. As a result, the public perception of design may be skewed towards its superficial and purely aesthetic aspects, disregarding its essential role in enhancing the quality of human experiences within built environments.

In conclusion, Genevieve Gorder's quote sheds light on the fundamental principles of design as a relationship between the designer and the end users. Her emphasis on understanding people's movements, lifestyles, and work habits underscores the human-centered approach to design, which prioritizes empathy and user experience. By challenging the misconception of design as an ambush and highlighting its relational nature, Gorder advocates for a more holistic and empathetic approach to design that truly addresses the needs and behaviors of the individuals it serves.