China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang is known for his relentless pursuit of unity and power, but what often goes unnoticed is how his visionary approach prefigured many principles of modern design thinking. As designers today, we strive for seamless user experiences, systematic efficiency, and lasting impact—principles that Qin Shi Huang instinctively grasped over 2,000 years ago.
Ancient Designs
Weaponry and Warfare: Qin Shi Huang standardized weapons across his empire to enhance battle efficiency, similar to how a smartphone company designs a product to work similarly across various markets today. This standardization ensured that all soldiers could use any weapon on the battlefield without compatibility issues, much like modern companies aim for a uniform user experience in their products.
Quality Control and Branding: He also introduced quality control measures by branding each weapon, which is similar to how today’s brands use logos to guarantee authenticity. This not only ensured quality but also helped maintain consistency and trust, which are core to modern manufacturing practices.
Rebranding the Ruler and the Realm
The Terracotta Army: The Terracotta Army was not just a military formation but a design masterpiece meant to serve Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. This project mirrors how modern nations or corporations invest in large-scale projects like Olympic ceremonies or monumental architecture to gain global recognition and establish a lasting legacy.
Monumental Burial Chamber: His grand tomb, an underground palace, was designed to be a testament to his power and vision, much like modern design spectacles that aim to inspire awe and ensure a place in history. This approach shows how design can go beyond functionality to express personal beliefs and aspirations, influencing how we are remembered.
The ancient terra-cotta warrior sculptures depict the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the founder of the Qin dynasty and the first emperor of China. Photo by I. Noyan Yilmaz/Shutterstock
Qin Shi Huang’s projects, like the Terracotta Army, highlight important ethical considerations in design, as workers faced harsh conditions and severe punishments. Today, we aim to innovate responsibly, focusing on sustainability and fair labor practices. This shift toward ethical practices is becoming more common in industries like fashion and manufacturing, emphasizing worker rights and environmental care.
Lesson for Today’s Designers
From Qin Shihuangdi’s strategies, today’s designers can learn about:
Systematic Thinking: Applying design systematically can help solve large-scale problems, just as it helped the emperor manage and unify his empire.
Brand Identity: Effective design can create strong identities and foster unity, similar to how brands today build communities and loyalty.
Balancing Innovation with Standards: His mix of innovation with standardization offers a blueprint for producing high-quality products at scale, a principle that underpins much of modern manufacturing.
Conclusion
Qin Shihuangdi’s use of design was not just about aesthetics but was a crucial part of his strategy to govern and expand his empire. His methods show us that design is a powerful tool in shaping societies and economies, offering timeless lessons for modern product designers who aim to combine creativity with functionality to make impactful products.
