Introduction to Design Principles
Design shapes how people experience a place, interact with their surroundings, and feel a sense of belonging. More than aesthetics, it is a strategic tool that strengthens a district’s identity, supports local businesses, and fosters inclusivity.
At its core, Design is about centering people and the ways they experience your Main Street district - the ways they move through a space, interact with their surroundings, and feel while spending time downtown. Good design also balances historic preservation with contemporary needs, ensuring that districts remain vibrant, accessible, and economically viable. It enhances the cultural and historic character of a place while making spaces more functional, welcoming, and engaging.
Hastings, Nebraska. Photo by Molly Kluver.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Define the role of Design within the Main Street Approach.
- Explain how Design supports economic vitality, community identity, and inclusivity.
- Identify key design elements that shape a district’s sense of place.
- Recognize the value of intentional, strategic design decisions.
- Describe how people-centered design fosters engagement and connection.