As a graphic designer & life long student visual communication I’ve often asked myself what will the future of design be? I feel like a lot of people do who are aware of the social ills around us everyday, or maybe it’s I have more in common with those who are mere observers of those things that bother us all.
Like all things in life that depends on the individual, but a big part of that future will hopefully be a description that recognizes the role design in all of its various forms can have in society. This isn’t a new concept, but one that needs to be revisited by each new generation of designers. Design and designers as a collective have the advantage of being able to see trends as they are happen, and because the very nature of design requires a quick finger on the pulse of contemporary culture, the design community can function as a collective because of the shared experiences and daily observations we make.
I think a reasonable goal, an ideal goal, would be to share and advances ideas through design to make an impact on society. A social impact that heals the ills that plague us all.
So, in the present, in an effort to effect the future direction of design I think designers must move forward individually and collectively to capture public awareness. The message must be strong and the awareness of the viewer high to realize the inherent power that design has to make changes in society. If designers work together, in all of its specialized forms, then the role of design changes from a passive one to an active role.
Whether it is designing sustainable living environments, online media that informs, or environmentally friendly clothing, design with a positive social agenda will out live the fancies of pop culture. I see a changing world that will need designers who can create meaningful, educational, empowering design that can meet the challenges that all people share, both today and in the future.
People are more important than products, and if all it takes is an engaging image that raises public awareness enough to embrace a social issue then that specific design has done its job and fulfilled a promise to connect with people on a different level outside of commercial consumption. That begs the question, can we change the world with art? If we want to make change the world with art, then I see two living parts to the puzzle that must be made whole.
Artistry & Activism!
Want to find out more? Click the links below to connect with like-minded people.
A Designers tool kit & manifesto from IDEO.
Here’s a nice video from Social Impact Studios that shows activism in action.
Design, Art, Culture 