Is it necessary for your designs to be one-of-a-kind?

In the vast digital landscape, it's often better to create something interesting rather than something entirely new to increase the chances of success. With millions of websites available for inspiration, one might just find the perfect fit for a project.

However, it's crucial to remember that brazenly copying other people's work is not acceptable. This constitutes copyright theft, a breach of ethical and legal boundaries. Designs are meant to improve, not change for the sake of change.

Innovation, while rare, does not guarantee success. Instead, designs that solve real problems and benefit users are more likely to be successful and enduring. This principle is exemplified by the floppy disc icon, a relic of obsolete technology that continues to represent "save my work" in user interfaces, not because of its functionality but due to user familiarity.

Writers, designers, and artists often draw inspiration from existing works. This practice is not about stealing but about understanding what works and recreating similar elements in a unique way. For instance, designers and developers at Microsoft, led by executives like Scott Guthrie and Julie Larson-Green, use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JsonT, and JSON for templates, similar to the approach at Squarespace where designers and developers collaborate on templates.

When analysing a particular site, one might appreciate the colour scheme, the detail, the layout, and more. These elements can then be used as a starting point to create something similar but original. However, designs must build on what's gone before, not steal what's gone before to avoid copyright theft.

In the pursuit of inspiration, images from various sources such as Developer Snippets, Specky Boy, Life Style Winners, and Red Bubble can be useful references. Yet, many unique ideas remain unheard due to lack of success.

Even in a century, the save icon, despite being a floppy disk, will likely still be in use. This icon, though outdated, continues to resonate with users, demonstrating the power of familiarity in design.

In conclusion, as a designer, it's essential to strike a balance between innovation and familiarity, between creativity and respect for intellectual property. By understanding what works, improving upon it, and solving real-world problems, designers can create successful and enduring designs.