Throughout this module I have learnt a great amount about objectivity and subjectivity in Graphic Design. Research and further reading has helped to increase my knowledge about these subjects and has informed a lot of my work throughout this module, in particular, wayfindings. It has allowed me to further link my work to research and contexts, which has proven useful in explaining many of my design decisions. For example, the use of objective designs throughout my wayfinding project was based on the beliefs of Otl Aicher and Wim Crouwel who suggested that the use of grids in design benefits the clarity of information, as well as creating structure for a universal language. Research such as this will also allow me to better explain future design decisions in suggesting how it's objectivity or subjectivity informs the design.
I have also realised that the process in producing a piece of work is just as important as the outcome. I have explored various methods of working throughout this module, all of which have been very beneficial in producing an interesting and well-developed outcome. One such process is known as ASCII art, a graphic design technique which uses text-editing programmes to create images pieced together from a variety of set characters defined by the American coding system. This process formed the main basis for my final object outcomes, and has shown me a new technique for creating design which could possibly question what Graphic Design can be.
I have also learnt that the research leading up to such processes does not always have to be obvious. Obscure facts and research can help better inform your designs, because it makes you think more about the processes, context and design decisions behind your work, whilst also producing abstract and interesting outcomes. For example, my postcard designs were not based on facts about my initial object but focused more on tool used before the development of the electronic calculator and their seemingly obscure purposes.
Similar to the first module, this module has allowed me to further improve on both new and existing skills. For example, InDesign is a piece of software which I had no experience of prior to this module. Inductions and workshops have allowed me to gain a basic and better understanding of the use of grids within layout design. This new skill was extremely beneficial in helping me to produce initial mock-up designs for independent zines, the use of grids within my objective wayfinding pictograms and in the layout of my object postcards. It has also allowed me to produce appropriate layouts for publications dependent on the stitching technique needed to bind the content together.
Overall, this module has been very engaging. It has taught me a variety of new skills and graphic design techniques, such as using alternative software to create work (e.g. Microsoft Word and Excel), book-binding, and layout and grid design within InDesign. Contextual research, such as the debate between Wim Crouwel and Jan Van Toorn (objectivity vs. subjectivity) will also help me to understand my own and other designers' work better in terms of it's desired purpose and structure. Furthermore, the module has taught me that the process in producing a piece of work is just as important as the outcome itself, as it allows you to explore ideas using new and engaging techniques, which will all be valuable in the production of my future work.
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