Globalization has led to manufacturers selling their products all over the world and due to financial and manufacturing feasibility of designed products, these are mass manufactured and sold in different parts of the world. However, success of a product is impacted by the culture of a country/region. Therefore, it is important to consider cultural impact on design. Similarly, design can have significant impact on culture of a country/region. This paper studies impact of culture on design and vice versa and proposes a table for culture versus design, with qualitative parameters for culture and design and this is justified through case studies from two different culture. In these case studies, the impact of culture on design and design on culture in India and the Netherlands were carried out by considering the proposed table. The results help in understanding the impact of culture on design and vice versa.

Design methodology for the elderly is researched on the basis of a literature review. The following main themes are discussed: design methodology, the elderly, needs and culture. The intersection of two domains: design and aging/elderly indicate the impact of aging and elderly on design. The influence reflects the necessity for the holistic approach of the needs based on the proper cognitive functioning of elderly at their capacity level. The intersection of the two domains: design and culture indicate the impact of culture on design. The influence of cultural aspects on design demands a design vision that leads to visionary products. The intersection of the three domains: design methodology, culture and aging/elderly indicate the impact of culture and aging/elderly on the design methodology. The intersection has complex inner relationships and is introduced as the Tao of Designing, where paths, directions are indicated.