Out today, the latest issue of BRW magazine includes an 8-page feature on the Australian International Design Awards (AIDA), a division of Standards Australia,  titled: ‘Why Design Means Business’.

As well as profiling the latest entries to the Awards program, the feature points out the strengths of Australian product design.

“The article positions Design as one of the most influential professions of these tough economic times by proving through pages or colourful product examples that investment in professional design yields more than mere good looks,” says Stephanie Watson of AIDA.

Speaking to industry professionals such as Steven Martinuzzo of CobaltNiche and Brand Consultant, Ken Cato, of Cato Partners, the piece notes that the economic downturn may have the positive effect of a move by consumers away from cheaper, mass-produced items, to quality designs that last longer.

Overall it appears that for Design firms to succeed in the coming months they will need to become more creative and keep in mind that making money from design is all about innovation.

If you can get your hands on a copy it is well worth a read.

brw.com.au