Reading Response 1

I think that it is impossible to assume that people are not going to criticize design in a age where art and media are blending together and the population as a audience is absorbing information making them more aware of changes that they otherwise would have cared less about.

It’s true that people are becoming more aware of design everyday, because it is becoming more important.  Functional design and cutting edge design is what people crave because it means that we are advancing technologically and as a whole. However, these advancements are also making people experience a greater sense of nostalgia when it comes to designs that have been around prior to the push to develop clean and contemporary modes of identity and design.

Older designs can remind people ofsimpler times and bring out qualities of reliability, quality, and superiority. These designs are important because they have withstood the test of time and have made there way into the lives of those who view them. However, when it comes for a change I agree that the audience does not always understand the process of design and the reasons why an identity may have to be changed.

The readings keep bringing up the point that some people when they see a design think that it is too easy and that “their 4-year-old” could do a better job. I think that this thinking can fall into the same realm as armature photographers who believe that if they buy an expensive camera then they have what it takes to declare themselves as professionals. Obviously, understanding art and design comes by understanding the process and history of the craft and it is up to the designers to educate their audience in the best ways possible.

I also think that it is important to be aware of these opinions. A lot of times in the articles when it came to the designs of things that people have a great deal of attachment too, I feel like the discussions happen mainly between designers in a world that is somewhat closed off from the outside till the unveiling of a design. If people were let in and able to see the process maybe they could have had a more positive discussion about the whole thing rather that attacking the final product in the end.

I think that as a designer preparing to enter the design realm it is important to remember that people don’t always understand what is happening behind the scenes and that it is important to do this kind of research to contribute to your design. Perhaps the next phase of good design will revolve around understandable design. In other words... design that an audience can understand and that is driven by public awareness.