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Making Sense of Graphic Design: A Narrative Analysis
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- Author(s) / Creator(s)
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This study is about the transformation of graphic design practice and why in a field
struggling to define its borders and come to terms with the commodification of its methods and
tools, design as a means of sense making remains relevant. Digital technology is reshaping the
graphic designer's work and the design field, creating new opportunities for designers, adding
seats at tables, and making room for new conceptions of what constitutes graphic design.
Technological disruption threatens the traditional design business model, both practically
and philosophically. Digital applications and platforms continue to commodify the designer's
traditional technical skillset by democratizing the methods of production and facilitating
widespread access to design tools. Cost-effective, sophisticated tools empower non-designers to
create communications products, and intuitive website builders, e-commerce platforms, and logo
generators are beginning to do the designer's work. Digital technologies and social platforms
have changed the underlying business model of the design industry, where quantity, quality and
cost are no longer relative functions of one another.
The impact of digital transformation in design practice has created concerns around
authorship, quality, creative control and professionalism. As communication mediums change,
the methods and nature of communication change, and so too does graphic design. Parallel to
these changes, the occupations, roles and titles associated with the graphic designer are evolving
and shifting what it means to be a designer. -
- Date created
- 2020-08-23
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- Type of Item
- Research Material