March 6, 2008

>>meaning– by: John Rheinfrank and Katherine Welker

"Meaning" discusses different views of meaning when it comes to graphic design. The issue of "all form, no content." People wonder why certain colors and lines are used and what the meaning of certain graphic elements are. The old view of meaning was focused on form and the thought that the shape and form of an object would evoke a certain feeling or mood. The focus of design has shifted to include the interactions of the object with people. Now, the new view of meaning is to "plunge into sense-making and a disovery of the qualities of objects that collaborate to produce authentic, meaningful situations. Meaning focuses on concept and situation, focuses on how it will look on a shelf and in what envivronment it is going to be used.

>>rethinking modernism, revising functionalism– by: Katherine McCoy

McCoy discusses the change in design philosophy and artistic movements. When she was an undergrad design had a strong emphasis on problem–solving and form follows functionalism. She discusses how designed effected her everyday life and that the faith in rational functionalism got her her first job at unimark International. She discusses her experience with Swiss design and New Wave design in the 1970's. The point of this article is to look at the changes in design history and find a design ethic for yourself. She believes that design matters in life, not just hers but also her audience. She feels it is imporatant to be enthusiastic and to contribute to design so that it can keep changing and growing. "Only through change can we continue to push ahead in knowldege and expertise, theory and expression, cotinually building our collective knowledge of the process of communication."

#1– graphic design is visually communicating and idea or meaning through image and typography. it is constantly changing and growing through the enthuisiasm of designers and their contributions to the field.
#2– typography is the use of text to complete ideas/tell stories and further communicate a concept.
#3– my responsibilities as a design student are to reserch, ask questions, and develop my concepts so that my work has meaning. it is my responsibility to create new, unique solutions in order to help myself and others grow as designers.
#4– to get the most out of my VisCom classes it is important for me to listen, ask questions, do a lot of process work and come up with the best solution i can. it is important for me to brainstorm with other students and get feedback on my designs as well as give feedback to others and help them refine their solutions.