Inspiration

Explore Instagram’s new account dedicated to design

4 min read
Emily Esposito
  •  Apr 19, 2018
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Move over, food pics—there’s a new trend on Instagram.

During Milan Design Week, Instagram introduced a new, official account dedicated only to design. The @design handle offers an inside look at Instagram’s creative team and also features talented, emerging designers from around the world.

“By highlighting creators from across disciplines, we hope to showcase the evolving relationship between technology and traditional design,” said Ian Spalter, Head of Design at Instagram, in a blog post on House Beautiful. “We’re just getting started, and we’re looking forward to learning how we can be a useful and supportive part of the community.”

For the launch of @design, Instagram asked six designers to share their desk view and design philosophies. Check them out:

 

@misaac85, a UX designer, described her desk as “an organized mess,” including a laptop, screens, various devices, notebooks, “and one too many gel pens.” In this photo, Miriam, who lives in Beit Shemesh, Israel, was working through designs for a transportation system for a youth program. “If I can provide simple design solutions to complex problems to help those who do work with today’s youth or children with disabilities, then I know that my day of work has a ripple effect across all of those incredible acts of kindness,” she said. “I don’t, for one day, take this for granted.” ?: @misaac85 For the launch of @design, we asked six designers we admire to share their #deskview and their design philosophies. #fromwhereiwork . . . #onmydesk #desksetup #uxdesign

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This was a temporary workspace for the designer and artist @camillewalala, who set up her sketchbook next to a pancake breakfast while on holiday on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It’s not so different from her desk at home in London: It’s bold and bright, and covered with stationary, collages and good pencils. And her London workspace also includes something delicious. Well, sort of: “A fake ice cream sundae that I brought back from Japan,” Camille said, describing the most unusual thing on her desk. “The kind used to show what a restaurant has on its menu.” ?: @camillewalala For the launch of @design, we asked six designers we admire to share their #deskview and their design philosophies. #fromwhereiwork . . . #deskbreakfast #onmydesk #desksetup

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For the art director @benjaminbuddy, design is about creating an emotional connection. “It’s the tool we use to bridge the gap between the form and idea,” he said. To inspire him as he designs for @instagram, his workspace includes memories of things he’s collected and experienced over the years. “My desk is a much cleaner and minimal version of myself,” he said. “I have a rock trophy, a couple of plants, a small metal llama and a wood statue of a frog.” And, in this photo, a kit that Ben created to welcome new members to the design team. “It’s all the beautiful and weird things I love.” ?: @benjaminbuddy For the launch of @design, we asked six designers we admire to share their #deskview and their design philosophies. #fromwhereiwork . . . #onmydesk #bts

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What’s next? Expect to see more posts going behind the scenes with designers and creators in their homes, as well as unique insights into the creative process at Instagram.

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