Listmembers,
On Dec 18, 2009, at 6:09 AM, Karel van der Waarde wrote:
> For some graphic design work it is not necessary to consider any
> such influence. But for an increasinging number of projects, it
> becomes essential to prepare the strongest possible arguments. In
> these situation, research might be helpful.
Here in the US, a new version of the MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices) has been adopted. Graphic designers and typographers
working with researchers have successfully enlarged national
standards for road signage over time. There is now an approval path
for signage that is functionally effective and aesthetically
different from inherited standards. An example of design research
that permits greater freedom for design. A key advocate has been the
SEGD.
Not all graphic design or typography is created for either a
regulated environment nor intended to serve a public good, thus they
are rightly taught in "art schools"; just as most (here read all)
architecture has a cultural function, etc. For the same reasons,
typography overall cannot be a "solved problem", since aspects of it
change over time.
Terry Love wrote:
> 2. Commoditization reducing many design activities to operating
> computers
> that use expert design systems (e.g. Adobe products) that for many
> skilled
> design activities replace the designer to create designs - some
> designers
> will find their work reduced to being a software jockey.
This is the longstanding market rationale for both home and
professional desktop graphics software. The reason why InDesign won't
layout your page for you is that a "wizard" to do this will ask you
so many questions to get it "right", any trained worker can complete
the task in nearly the same time with less hassle. There are already
a huge number of templates and programs that do this now.
> 3. A transition by designers who focus on aesthetic issues
> backwards towards
> "design as 'styling'" - the increased complexity of interaction
> between
> disciplines in design activity means that those who focus only on
> aesthetics
> have nowhere to go but do aesthetics. This leaves them primarily in
> the
> traditional role of stylists.
I would not want to live in a culture that did not value style. I'm
not an anthropologist, but I can't think of any human culture that
existed without aesthetics. So training in design practice as an
engagement with contemporary culture is needed, and there might be a
place for design research in understanding this.
-Peter Bain
teaching typography and graphic design at Mississippi State University
email: [log in to unmask]
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