#culturalparameters

[raguirre0401]

Image by EEAS

Visual Diary 9 - Cultural Parameters

One example of a cultural parameter is the difference in how things are communicated. In the U.S., for instance, communication tends to be more direct and to the point. In Europe, communication errs on the side of being more nuanced and not as direct. More formal language is typically used, while in the U.S., it can be more common to see informal language in business communication. This all comes into play when coming about design solutions to various audiences. If there is a company or product that has a global reach, then it is very important to be aware of this cultural parameter and plan accordingly.

Here is an article that defines more of the cultural nuances between the U.S. and Europe.

Top 5 differences between USA and EU Business Culture

For North American companies that work with European teams, it is crucial to understand that business culture in the US is different than in

[laurennbradford-blog]

Gender Roles

In the instance of gender roles, I believe it is a cultural parameter that can be broken in certain instances. In the US, where the roles of men and women are constantly evolving, I think it’s ok to stretch the ideas from what is usually considered appropriate. These days, women are going to work and men are staying home with the children. It’s no longer a set standard for what each individual household deems as acceptable. As long as breaking the cultural parameters doesn’t put anyone in danger, it should be fine. Cultural differences will sometimes come with different parameters and decide whether or not they can be broken. For example, an ad in the U.S with a woman putting on “the pants” and going to work in the morning vs. an ad in Afghanistan with a woman removing her burka. One would probably be ok and most-likely seen as empowering while the other would not. 

[laurennbradford-blog]

Time Orientation

While my parents both worked well into their sixties, growing up in the generation of millennials, that was never my own goal. They both graduated from high school and proceeded to get a job, keep that same job and retire 30-40 years later. My generation is the complete opposite. Most of my friends are either full-time entrepreneurs, part-time entrepreneurs or switch jobs every 2-3 years. They don’t see the benefits of giving a company your all for most of your life and then retiring at the end of your life with a small pension. I find myself in that group as well. I started my own company, Lola Bee Studio, 7 years ago in hopes that I can retire early and have the second half of my life be the better half of my life. 

[creativecollectionnk32-blog]

Visual Diary #9 | Cultural Parameters

Design leadership can take many things into consideration. But how about design that deflects the bounds of cultural parameters. I’m sure most people have seen the “love has no labels” display campaign video. It’s amazing to me and I love watching it because it just reminds me over and over that we are all the same at our cores. This design and idea overall was just genius to me! This is design leadership that directly relates to cultural parameters and how labels mustn’t define us. In a world that can seem so divided, a lot of the time the answer is to all come together and make the world a better place!