27 April 2009
TIME FOR CHANGE
This latest Blog contribution by Roy Clucas asks us to all do a little critical thinking about what we call ourselves and suggests that the time might be right for a step change.
Pretoria (South Africa) - Time for change... even as we celebrate our anniversary this day.
With the world listening, the moment to propose a step change is about as good as it gets. May today be marked by the sharing of many such ideas, if not being noted for correct protocols in doing so. We apologise for any irritation or distraction caused by inclusion of this proposal in this forum, and hope that it will be received in the spirit of "leading creatively" and as supportive of the event theme. Or read it tomorrow.
At issue: The names for what we do, specifically the terms Graphic, Graphic Design, Communication Design and Design.
Circumstance & timing
With global business practices, standards and ethics under scrutiny towards correcting the economic recession, changes to the rules are what is needed most. The writer proposes that similar revision is pertinent for the description of design and designing - in that representatives of the activity stand to benefit from greater accuracy in identifying their professional specialisations. And "There is no time like the present."
Observations
The word design is no longer an adequate descriptor of the processes of visualisation and vision generation that it assumes to describe.
Design can mean any word construct or written edict - intended to manipulate, control or even oppress... 'by design.' As in motive.
Design, despite dictionary definitions purporting "the way something will look", fails to express the crafting aspects synonymous with its practice. The influential and lauded typographer Eric Gill knew this, as do countless others, no doubt.
So what is this new alternative, the proposed replacement? Like most initiatives, it starts with a new name, a new word for design itself, along with a new system of naming all design disciplines and the plethora of specialisations.
"This cannot be serious. This must be a prank or some radical sounding off the ramblings of senile decay...!" "Insufficient justification & collaboration."
New names are a highly emotive and subjective issue, mostly. They must run the full gauntlet of familiarisation and reluctant evaluation, before...
In this instance, it is offered as a reciprocal gesture to the honour bestowed on the author of this naming system of an Icograda Achievement award in 2006. Acknowledgment by adoption of the principles of the initiative would be considered reward enough, with no strings attached beyond current author’s copyright protection.
Well, to everyone out there - sceptics and parallel explorers included - who have reached this point, here is the idea; straight up: (details of full rationale to follow). To consider, entertain, embellish, modify accept or reject.
1) Alternative for Design
VISIOGRAPHY. And by extension: VISIOGRAPHER. - One who visualises, creates and develops envisioned components and compositions into objects or messages and images, in functional, communicative or decorative form. In the same sense and manner that photographer and typographer describe the actions which their exponents perform. Too long? Then abbreviate it - like people do.
2) Alternative for Graphic
INFORMATIC.
3) Alternative to Communication design
INFORMATIC VISIOGRAPHY.
4) Alternative to other specialisations (in principle)
e.g. SPACIAL VISIOGRAPHY (for Interior design)
That’s enough for now. Enjoy Earth & Graphics Day, and get your heads around polishing up what we call ourselves to existing and potential clients and audiences.
"A rose by any other name..."
"Fools rush in...and get the best seats."
Blog and twitter away...
Regards & best wishes,
®©
About Roy Clucas
Roy Clucas is the design director of Roy Clucas Design Process. He has been practising graphic design in South Africa, New York and Paris for nearly 40 years. His work has represented both small and large companies across a wide spectrum of industries and institutions. In 2006, he was recognised with an Icograda Achievement Award.
E:
Pretoria (South Africa) - Time for change... even as we celebrate our anniversary this day.
With the world listening, the moment to propose a step change is about as good as it gets. May today be marked by the sharing of many such ideas, if not being noted for correct protocols in doing so. We apologise for any irritation or distraction caused by inclusion of this proposal in this forum, and hope that it will be received in the spirit of "leading creatively" and as supportive of the event theme. Or read it tomorrow.
At issue: The names for what we do, specifically the terms Graphic, Graphic Design, Communication Design and Design.
Circumstance & timing
With global business practices, standards and ethics under scrutiny towards correcting the economic recession, changes to the rules are what is needed most. The writer proposes that similar revision is pertinent for the description of design and designing - in that representatives of the activity stand to benefit from greater accuracy in identifying their professional specialisations. And "There is no time like the present."
Observations
The word design is no longer an adequate descriptor of the processes of visualisation and vision generation that it assumes to describe.
Design can mean any word construct or written edict - intended to manipulate, control or even oppress... 'by design.' As in motive.
Design, despite dictionary definitions purporting "the way something will look", fails to express the crafting aspects synonymous with its practice. The influential and lauded typographer Eric Gill knew this, as do countless others, no doubt.
So what is this new alternative, the proposed replacement? Like most initiatives, it starts with a new name, a new word for design itself, along with a new system of naming all design disciplines and the plethora of specialisations.
"This cannot be serious. This must be a prank or some radical sounding off the ramblings of senile decay...!" "Insufficient justification & collaboration."
New names are a highly emotive and subjective issue, mostly. They must run the full gauntlet of familiarisation and reluctant evaluation, before...
In this instance, it is offered as a reciprocal gesture to the honour bestowed on the author of this naming system of an Icograda Achievement award in 2006. Acknowledgment by adoption of the principles of the initiative would be considered reward enough, with no strings attached beyond current author’s copyright protection.
Well, to everyone out there - sceptics and parallel explorers included - who have reached this point, here is the idea; straight up: (details of full rationale to follow). To consider, entertain, embellish, modify accept or reject.
1) Alternative for Design
VISIOGRAPHY. And by extension: VISIOGRAPHER. - One who visualises, creates and develops envisioned components and compositions into objects or messages and images, in functional, communicative or decorative form. In the same sense and manner that photographer and typographer describe the actions which their exponents perform. Too long? Then abbreviate it - like people do.
2) Alternative for Graphic
INFORMATIC.
3) Alternative to Communication design
INFORMATIC VISIOGRAPHY.
4) Alternative to other specialisations (in principle)
e.g. SPACIAL VISIOGRAPHY (for Interior design)
That’s enough for now. Enjoy Earth & Graphics Day, and get your heads around polishing up what we call ourselves to existing and potential clients and audiences.
"A rose by any other name..."
"Fools rush in...and get the best seats."
Blog and twitter away...
Regards & best wishes,
®©
About Roy Clucas
Roy Clucas is the design director of Roy Clucas Design Process. He has been practising graphic design in South Africa, New York and Paris for nearly 40 years. His work has represented both small and large companies across a wide spectrum of industries and institutions. In 2006, he was recognised with an Icograda Achievement Award.
E:
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