Meaning: Genevieve Gorder, an American television host and interior designer, emphasizes the significance of taking design beyond the confines of a studio and establishing a genuine connection with the end users. In this quote, she underscores the transformative power of design, asserting that it transcends mere aesthetic embellishment and holds the potential to deeply impact people's lives.

When Gorder speaks about taking design "out of the studio," she is alluding to the traditional notion of design as a process confined within the walls of a creative workspace. This shift in perspective implies a departure from the insular nature of design creation and an embrace of a more participatory, human-centered approach. By venturing beyond the studio, designers can engage directly with the individuals or communities for whom their creations are intended. This direct interaction provides invaluable insights into the needs, preferences, and challenges of the target audience, ultimately shaping designs that are more meaningful and effective.

The idea of "having a relationship with the people that you're making it for" underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in the design process. Instead of imposing preconceived notions or disconnected concepts onto the end users, Gorder advocates for establishing genuine connections with them. By fostering relationships and engaging in dialogue, designers can gain a deeper understanding of the human context within which their designs will exist. This approach allows for the co-creation of solutions that are aligned with the real-life experiences and aspirations of the people they are meant to serve.

Gorder's assertion that this experience "really convinced me of how powerful a thing design is" reflects the profound impact that meaningful, people-centered design can have. When designers immerse themselves in the lived experiences of their audience, they witness firsthand the transformative potential of their craft. Whether it's improving functionality, enhancing usability, or addressing unmet needs, design has the capacity to bring about positive change and enrich the lives of individuals and communities.

The quote culminates with Gorder's declaration that "It's not just an aesthetic decoration," challenging the prevalent misconception that design is primarily concerned with superficial aesthetics. By emphasizing the intrinsic value of design beyond its visual appeal, she highlights its role as a problem-solving tool, a catalyst for innovation, and a medium for meaningful human interaction. Design, in this view, becomes a vehicle for empathy, social impact, and empowerment, transcending its ornamental aspects to become a potent force for positive change.

In essence, Genevieve Gorder's quote encapsulates a paradigm shift in design thinking, advocating for a more human-centered, empathetic, and participatory approach. By embracing the power of design to connect with and serve people, she underscores the profound impact that thoughtful, relationship-driven design can have on individuals and communities. This perspective challenges designers to move beyond the confines of the studio, engage directly with the end users, and recognize the intrinsic power of design to effect meaningful change in the world.