Vanessa G. ARTG 210 - Term Project

School Blogs

[artg210-termproject]

Revised Manifesto

Manifesto Statement: Inclusive design is for everyone.

Constraint Recipe: Black and White

The changes I made were mainly so the design made more of an impact and so the message was 100% clear. Adding the text and placing it at the bottom grounded my design. Reversing the colours of the figures themselves made the design more impactful and bold.

[artg210-termproject]

Manifesto Statement: Inclusive design affects everyone.

Constraint Recipe: Black and White

This design shows many figures of different shapes and sizes embracing each other. I think this imagery represents inclusivity and diversity without over designing or adding complicated elements. The imagery of the arms hugging all the figures represents a positive and accepting environment.

[artg210-termproject]

Summary 6

Many products now-a-days are not designed in a way that ensures that everyone can use them in the intended way. The issues that we experience as we age are not considered in most designs. Everyday objects are often created without consideration for the challenges faced by older, weaker, and slower individuals.Age-related issues such as vision and hearing deterioration are exacerbated by poorly designed elements like closed captions and product labels. Newer technologies, like touch sensor display screens, pose additional challenges for the ageing community. Unfortunately, products specifically designed for the elderly are often unattractive, which may lead those who need them to resist using them. Creating inclusive designs means that function and style should both be present, one shouldn’t be sacrificed for the other. Inclusive design does not only benefit those who are always disabled or inhibited, it also helps everyone else. Every person experiences some form of disability or inhibition throughout their life. The Palm Beach, Florida ballot is an example of when inaccessible design affects more than just the disabled or differently abled people. Edward Tufte states that we, as designers, should remember “Don’t get it original—get it right.” Designers need to remember that simple designs are effective designs, and originality should not be the main concern.

An example from my world:

As a dancer, I've danced in many studios, all using stairs to connect the separate floors. Recently, my dance teacher ruptured her achilles. That highlighted the challenges dancers face when trying to get to their classes, especially with frequent injuries to feet, ankles, knees, and hips.Recognizing the frequent injuries dancers endure, particularly affecting their ability to climb stairs and after seeing my dance teacher struggle to climb the stairs, I realized the need for accessible solutions. Elevators were my first thought, but they seemed impractical for dance studios to implement, so I considered a motorized chairlift on staircases. This option could offer similar benefits to elevators without the complexities. I also thought that increasing the run of each step (as you can see, they're quite narrow) could support those with mobility issues because they would allow more space for crutches or bulky medical dressings. Of these three options, the chairlift seems to be the most implementable because it offers support to those with injuries or mobility constraints in a dance studio setting while still being somewhat reasonable for the dance studio to maintain.

5 Takeaway Statements:

Many products ignore issues that come with aging.

Simple designs are more inclusive than complex, original design.

New technologies complicate things for older individuals.

Inclusive design should prioritize both function and style equally.

Inclusive design helps everyone.

[artg210-termproject]

Revised Manifesto

Manifesto Statement: Design for everyone.

Constraint Recipe: Reverse Type

The changes I made to my design were made to simplify and clarify my design. With my original design the message was unclear, so I decided to add text in order to ensure the message came across. I removed the coloured portions of my design in order to simplify the visual impact. This decision allows the icons to stand out more.

[artg210-termproject]

Manifesto 5

Manifesto Statement: Design for Everyone

Constraint Recipe: Image Only

I picked this design because I know people experience our world differently. Designers need to think about everyone when designing anything. It's tough to make every design perfect for everyone, but we should try to make them work for people with different abilities. People experience the world through their senses, but not everyone's senses are alike. If designers keep this in mind, more people can enjoy the things we make in the best way possible. Being inclusive like this makes our designs better for a wide range of people, creating a fair and enjoyable experience for everyone.

[artg210-termproject]

Summary 5

This week's content covers various aspects of design and accessibility. The design flaws of the standard pill bottles in the pharmaceutical environment are outlined. Then, the ClearRx bottle's improvements are described. These changes emphasize the importance of clear information and accessibility features. Accessible design is described further while highlighting its relevance to a broad spectrum of abilities and circumstances and how it can enhance the quality of life. It is emphasized that accessible design should be a priority from the project's inception and calls for clear communication with clients regarding the legal requirements and benefits of accessibility. However, designers are cautioned against promising perfect accessibility. Issues related to visual accessibility in print-based graphic design, the essential role of client-designer communication, challenges posed by an aging population and sight loss, and the legal and social responsibilities of accessibility are also mentioned. The need for designers and clients to work together to ensure inclusivity and the use of a common language for effective communication in design for a broad audience is stressed to designers and other people who may have a part in creating accessible design.

Standard pharmaceutical pill bottles have design flaws.

The ClearRx bottle offers improved design with a focus on clear information and accessibility.

Accessible design for various needs and circumstances is important.

Accessibility in design should be a priority from the project's inception, with clear client communication.

Understand challenges in visual accessibility, client-designer communication, aging populations, and legal responsibilities may arise.

(Assisted by ChatGPT)

[artg210-termproject]

Revised Manifesto

Manifesto Statement: Good Design is Eco-Friendly

Constraint Recipe: Text + Colour

The changes I made this week are small, but effective. I messed with the overall composition to make the leaves the main focal point. I added texture to every aspect of the design to make it more cohesive and I added a textured background to add context and ground my design. Overall I think my revised manifesto is improved even though the changes are small and the consept stayed the same.

[artg210-termproject]

Manifesto 4

Manifesto Statement: Good Design is Eco-Friendly

Constraint Recipe: Type + Colour

This week's manifesto is inspired by all the actions we, as designers, can take when making eco-friendly choices. The circle represents the cycle our materials travel through to reduce waste. The green colour represents our world and the beauty we can protect, and the leaves are also a representation of this. Finally, the text itself (obviously) discusses the idea of eco-friendly design choices. Still, the crayon texture implies that making eco-friendly choices does not have to be complicated and that those choices can be made from the very beginning of the design process.

[artg210-termproject]

Summary 4

Understanding the importance of responsible design choices involves considering quality, durability, and performance. These factors reduce the environmental impact of products. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluates the entire product cycle, using 20 indicators to summarize its impact. A holistic perspective helps minimize these impacts by allowing companies to make decisions based on the production stages with the highest ecological impact. Consumers also play a crucial role in the impact products can have by choosing longer-lasting products, buying less, and taking proper care of what they own; they can reduce the impact made by the products they buy. 

Cradle to Cradle is a system that envisions a sustainable model where all materials circulate endlessly. Products are purposely designed to eventually return to the technical or biological cycles. Mass production depletes resources, leading to waste and resource scarcity. To minimize this, we should use fewer materials, use less energy, and reduce our carbon footprint. Product designs are optimized to fulfil the customer's needs, can be disassembled, and ensure used materials are valuable to nature or be used in future products. Designers need to know what materials are being used, have the mindset of borrowing instead of using materials, and design with functionality, beauty, and quality as top priorities. The quality of life in the future is the motivation behind sustainable design choices.

Eco-Design focuses on materials, energy, and waste reduction. It aims to cut toxic materials, energy use, and material requirements while promoting recyclability and renewable resources. Implementing this approach takes time due to complexity and cost. Ensuring sustainability for future generations is our paramount challenge for a better civilization. Design is a reflection of thought, as David Berman notes. While recycling is beneficial, it addresses just 10% of material consumption. Sustainable design is efficient, cost-effective, and an evolving standard. It encourages impactful, ethical work, rapid change, and personal commitment to global betterment. Designers have the power to address major global issues and benefit all of society. Design can influence culture, economics, and the environment. Through their work, designers can amplify positive change and diminish negative impacts.

Responsible design choices involve considering quality, durability, and performance, which can reduce the environmental impact of products.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with its 20 indicators evaluates the entire product cycle, helping companies make decisions to minimize ecological impacts.

Cradle to Cradle envisions a sustainable model where materials circulate endlessly, emphasizing the need for using fewer materials, less energy, and reducing the carbon footprint.

Consumers play a crucial role in reducing the impact of products by choosing longer-lasting items, buying less, and taking proper care of what they own.

Sustainable design encourages efficient, cost-effective, and ethical work, empowering designers to address major global issues and create positive change in culture, economics, and the environment.

(Assisted by ChatCPT)

[artg210-termproject]

Revised Manifesto

Manifesto Statement: Look at the big picture.

Constraint Recipe: text + texture + colour

This new manifesto has a simple yet effective change. Firstly, I fixed few small technical errors like alignment and spacing of the text. The major change was the image within the letters. The critiques I received on the original photo were that it felt too ocean and sea life directed. I wanted to find a photo that represents our world in a more holistic way. I want my design to represent the big picture coming from a sustainability stand point.

[artg210-termproject]

Manifesto 3

Manifesto Statement: Look at the big picture.

Constraint Recipe: Type + Texture + Colour

This week's manifesto is simple yet effective. It also has two messages wrapped into one design. Firstly, the text expresses the main message from my manifesto statement: "look at the big picture." Designers need to design with a broader spectrum of needs; the text effectively demonstrates that. The underlying message pertains to the ecological effects unethical design can have. The photo of clean and clear water shows what our world would look like if designers made more conscious decisions about packaging and design delivery.

[artg210-termproject]

Summary 3

Designers have a multifaceted role in society. They utilize their skill and imagination to promote products, services, and ideas. Effective design has the potential to save lives. Beyond presentation, designers create with functionality in mind. Erik Spiekermann states that around 90% of design is about making something work, while only about 10% pertains to beauty. Designers must recognize the existence of established business rules in the design industry but be willing to rewrite these rules to align with ethical considerations.

Designers need to consider sustainability, longevity, and responsible consumption. Ethical design requires a commitment to ethical principles and encourages designers to be true to themselves. Designers should offer alternative practices and themes instead of outright refusing to work on unethical projects. Designers should dedicate 10% of their time to helping the world and recognize that even small changes can significantly impact. We should be practising design through interconnected systems thinking and understanding audience needs and broader impacts. Designers are encouraged to ask questions about the consequences and purpose of their designs.

Designers should prioritize giving back and repairing environmental damage during and after the design process. Dieter Rams’ ten principles of good design emphasize innovation, utility, aesthetics, transparency, honesty, sustainability, and minimalism. Good design considers extremes and improves daily life while advocating for user-centred design. Designers are encouraged to keep longevity, sustainability, and the value of design in people’s lives in mind whenever they are designing. The things that matter the most to people have sentimental meaning. It’s very rare that the average, everyday consumer values aesthetic beauty over the memories made throughout their life.

Designers create things with skill and imagination, focusing on function.

Designers should be ethical, care about the environment, and find solutions for ethical problems.

Designers need to think about the bigger picture and what users need.

Be eco-friendly in design, keep things simple.

Good design makes things work well and can save lives.

(Assisted by ChatGPT)

[artg210-termproject]

Revised Manifesto

Manifesto Statement: Cash doesn't equal success

New Constraint Recipe: Handletter and Sans-Serif

This design is HEAVILY simplified compared to my first design. The simplification make the message more obvious and there is less visual matter as part of the design.

[artg210-termproject]

Manifesto 2

Manifesto Statement: Cash does not equal success

Constraint Recipe: Text + Black and White

The cash we earn from a job should not be our sole or primary definition of success. Success is a multifaceted concept that transcends monetary wealth. It encompasses a rich tapestry of personal fulfillment, meaningful connections, ethical choices, and contributions to the greater good of society. While financial stability is essential, it should be seen as just one facet of a more comprehensive definition of success. True success emerges when we align our careers with our values, nurture our physical and mental well-being, cultivate deep relationships, and engage in endeavours that leave a positive and lasting impact on both our own lives and the world around us. Therefore, let us not confine our aspirations and measures of achievement to the confines of our paychecks, but instead, let us strive for a holistic and purpose-driven notion of success that reflects the totality of our human experience.

[artg210-termproject]

Summary 2

Design has a vital role in society today. It can hugely positively affect the economy and the day-to-day life of the people in our world. However, the design also can have significant adverse effects on society. Irresponsible designers can make choices that contribute to the decline of our world’s environment, damage people’s health, culture, and happiness, and increase pricing, leading to the consumer or workers needing to compensate. The triple bottom line can sum all of this up, “it refers to the pursuit of growth balanced with social, ecological, and economic needs (or people, planet, and profit).” (Nourish Ethic, p.2) Advertising also significantly affects society and what is considered acceptable in terms of what we are presenting. Recognizing who and where advertising is representing is essential because that tends to make ads inappropriate. How do designers stop the cycle of harmful or indecent ads? Well, “The solution is to think, to be aware, to debate.” (Berman, p. 82). Marketing and corporations are changing how the people in society view the world. Designers have the power to make that change for the better. The best way for designers to do this is to be aware of their work and who they are doing it for. Designers need to pay the bills, so working for big companies tends to be the go-to, but it is essential to be aware of the ethics and practices that the company has. James Cartwright mentions Hatten’s views on a designer’s responsibility when it comes to ethical design, and he says, ‘“While I feel it’s a bit idealistic to strive for only fulfilling deeper objectives in my career,” says Hattam, “that is eventually my goal—to use the skills I’m honing now to end up at an agency or in-house team that is progressive, talented, and socially conscious—hopefully one which also embraces the arts.”’ Designers need to be aware and responsible. Designing ethically could improve many aspects of our world, whereas careless design choices could be detrimental.

Design's Dual Impact: Design has the power to positively influence society's economy and daily life, but it can also have negative effects when done irresponsibly.

Triple Bottom Line: The triple bottom line approach (people, planet, profit) provides a framework for balanced and ethical design.

Advertising's Role: Designers must be mindful of who and what their ads represent to avoid creating inappropriate content.

Responsibility in Design: Designers can break the cycle of harmful ads through critical thinking, awareness, and ethical considerations.

Ethical Design: Designers should prioritise socially conscious design, considering the ethics of their clients and striving for positive societal impact.

(Assisted by ChatGPT)

[artg210-termproject]

Revised Manifesto

New Constraint Recipe: Type + Image

I made many changes to my original design, and now my design is much stronger. The main issues with the original design were the text being difficult to read and my focal point having less hierarchy than I would have liked. After making the recommended changes, my design is far more impactful, and I am happy with the result!

[artg210-termproject]

Manifesto 1

Manifesto Statement: Design influences everyone.

Constraint Recipe: Type + Image + Colour

Design is literally everywhere in today's society. Our environment has a huge impact on how we as people think and our values and beliefs. I wanted to show that the design that surrounds us will always have an immense influence on our minds.