VA reading response. week 4.

article. Can Graphic Design Save Itself?

In the nineties, there were many debates about the visual aesthetics and rules of graphic design. Those debates brought us to where we are now, still looking at those aspects, but putting new spins on them. Designs now vary based on the company products own style, not relying heavily on the once mandated design standards. Some have even gone as far as to say that graphic design does not currently exist, as it is not one unified body, but rather a set of individuals.

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article. Cultural Catalysts, Cultural Agency

There are two main ways to look at designing, either we are after making a customer accepting of what they have and where they are at OR we motivate them to take charge and change their life.  The designer main role as a catalyst or motivating the consumer is in the presentation of information that creates almost a two way conversation, inviting the consumer to take the information presented and react in an accordingly way.

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article. Massive Change

we will explore design economies.

Design is becoming one of the most important influences on a new product, where as it used to have one of the smallest impacts. There has been more thought in general in relation to products, processes, services and their cross platform/product relation.

we will tap into the global communities.

The world of design is no longer focusing on the ideas of a single minded designer, but in the ability of multiple designers + thinkers coming together to create one great project/idea.

we will distributive capacity.

The best ideas/designs will be created with the help of discussion with others, test audiences, other designers, specialty individuals, as well as thinking about problems, solutions, and the ability for flexible change.

we will embrace paradox.

The book is calling for more discussion between personal responsibility of designers and their projects, as well what happens when designs are open up with no one in direct responsibility for the work.

we will reshape our future.

The future is based on those who put in the time and hard work to deal with tons of testing and experiments to find the answer; the experience is needed to ready us for whatever else lies ahead.