design by committee
Meaning
A product, idea, or plan that is of poor quality or incoherent because it has been developed or decided upon by too many individuals, each contributing conflicting ideas, resulting in a muddled compromise.
Origin
The very notion of a "committee" suggests a deliberative body, perfect for discussion and consensus-building. Yet, when it comes to crafting something requiring a singular artistic vision or a bold, unified direction – be it a logo, a building, or a strategic plan – committees often fall short. This pithy phrase emerged from the widespread observation in the 20th century that when too many hands stir the pot, especially with conflicting tastes and priorities, the resulting "design" becomes an uninspired amalgamation of compromises. What begins as an effort to incorporate all voices often ends as a Frankenstein's monster of ideas, pleasing no one and embodying the lowest common denominator, a testament to the fact that brilliant execution often requires a clear, singular creative lead, not a collective vote.
Examples
- The new company logo looks like a design by committee; it's cluttered and lacks any clear aesthetic direction.
- They tried to make everyone happy with the project, but the final outcome was a clear design by committee, satisfying no one completely.