▶️ Can "bad" service be "good" service?

▶️ Can "bad" service be "good" service?

Yes! Sometimes it's best to leave a service with some flaws that can give a special taste to it. When everything is perfect, it can be pretty bland.

Ben Reason, one of the founders of Livework (the first Service Design consultancy in history), wrote a lovely article called "My guilty service design secret". In it, Ben starts with this sentence:

"I think poor service can add to life’s rich tapestry"

I highly recommend you read that piece as it has three stories that show that:

  • Hard to use service can give a sense of pride to the user that masters them

  • Chaos can be a cultural aspect that attracts tourists

  • Differences in the service delivery can bring a touch of emotion

Q&A: Philosophy and Mindset questions about Service Design

Buy nowLearn more
  • ▶️ What are the different stages of the maturity of Service Design within an organization?
  • ▶️ What's the invisible role of the service designer within an organization?
  • Does making things fun have a real impact?

Inspiration

  • How can I create and share a compelling service design vision?
  • What are great quotes to inspire service design work?
  • What does a service design company need to be successful?

Beyond Service Design

  • How can service design skills be used outside of work in day to day life?
  • ▶️ Is Service Design becoming a religion?
  • How can Service Design improve my mental health?
  • Where can I learn more on how to use Service Design in everyday life?

Values in Service Design

  • ▶️ How can service designers help decolonize design?
  • How can I use company values in my Service Design work?
  • How can I spot innovation theatre or Service Design theatre?
  • ▶️ How can I use the company culture in your service design work?

Good and Bad

  • ▶️ Can "bad" service be "good" service?
  • ▶️ Should we really make all experiences less shitty?
  • ▶️ What's too much service?
  • ▶️ Can you design a too good workplace?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a service design approach?
  • ▶️ What are some of the biggest misunderstandings and myths about service design?
  • Do you have to be a dick to be a great design leader?
  • What are some of the dark sides of Service Design?
  • Will Service Design save the world?

Future and past of Service Design

  • ▶️ How has Service Design changed over the last years?
  • ▶️ What's the history of Service Design?
  • What comes after Service Design?
  • Will AI remplace Service Designers?
  • How can I use AI responsibly in my Service Design work?

How to name things in Service Design

  • Should Service Design have another name?
  • ▶️ How should we call the people we serve?
  • What's the difference between playful experiences and gamified experiences?

Efficiency and Service Design

  • How to not lose the time we save from better tools and processes?