Flusser Response

Response to Flusser

I agree with Flusser that design is a means for us to manipulate and therefore become deceptive or “cunning”. When he talks about the origin of the word it makes sense that designers and artists come from words meaning “trickster” or “deception” because artists do use manipulation of tools or technology to convey theoretical ideas.

Design also serves as the perfect bridge between technological and aesthetic principles because it serves a means to express the connections between the two. We can see evidence of this in our daily lives, for instance our phones, cars, refrigerators, and clothing all serve a purpose weather it be communication, transportation, or another function “necessary” for modern life while at the same time being both appealing to the eye aesthetically and constructed to best accommodate function.

I also agree that most design loses its truth and authenticity because of how disposable design is. As we evolve design evolves and with new design comes the disposal of older designs, which are no longer as relevant or functional. It’s kind of sad to think about how the designs of ideas are becoming as equal as the idea behind the design. When he talks about advertising it is true that people put all this effort into coming up with a “big idea” that then has to be manipulated into a design that is judged as equally as the original idea even though it can be argued that the idea has more truth and timeless authenticity than the design.