Relevant objectives of modern design

The article is devoted to the identification of objectives that relevant for modern design. The author considersthe characteristics of design as creative activity directed at satisfying the material and spiritual needs of people and focusing on the needs ofthe consumer. The author also traces the radical changes in the perspective on the methods and objectives of design activity that have manifested themselves since the beginning ofthe 20th century, when design acquires the status of a universal creative activity driven by a multitude of human and social needs as turned into meaningful objects and images. Following the general trend towards customization of consumption, design is highly needs-driven. It is recognized as a means of mass communication which is active in the sphere of consumption, regulated consumer activity, and serves as a mediator between the consumer and the producer. The need for the environmentally safe world is regarded by the author as a major social need ofthe modern consumer. The article outlines the tasks and objectives of modern design as imposed by the ecological orientation, the ecology of culture and human ecology, and which are to be met in the context of an increasing customization and greening of consumption. The author analyses the current design trends towards the natural needs of people and substantiates the validity of design in finding solutions to cultural- and human-ecology-related problems by pointing to the status ofthe need for cultural continuity, ethnic identification, and cultural diversity of the environment as essential human needs. The author sees it as relevant to develop the aspect of sustainable design that is directly connected with the issues of human ecology, oriented at creating the object environment conducive to creative talents development, favourably influencing the human and reflecting human values, as well as meeting the natural needs of people. One of the peculiarities of the current perspective on design is continuous adjustment of individual objectives, which is accounted for by the ever-changing demands ofthe individual and the society, and which can be viewed as a foundation for the effective development of design activity.