Author: Jennifer (Page 2 of 2)

After going over the readings, there was different ideas to take in as to how language came to be. In the essays, it was interesting to learn how symbols derived by the methods of grouping and ordering because it made it easier to count. Before words were used to take over numerical values, numerical values were expressed by counting, whether it was to keep score or record of something. This was nice to see because one method use was the tally, and this is something that is used today as well. The communication system used was by ones and each tally would represent a one object or score. When symbols came along, a symbol would represent one, and then different symbols would come to represent a group of ones, to indicate a higher number. This development in symbols has since transgressed to indicate more than numbers but also terms as objects or value such as phone, train, etc. It is something we see in our everyday lives now. The distinction now is that our symbols are also paired up with words to indicate it context, like traffic signs. This would also depend on the culture, where the text may change.

From the book, I viewed language itself being spoken as something philosophical. I feel like it can be a hard read because you end up using language in order to read about it. Words used where words that phonetically represented itself. Whereas now in the present, one word can signify multiple meanings. Language now has increased in complexity, in to express directly and subtly. It is also mentioned how signs arise from our bodies behavior in order to express ourselves without verbal language. Such example they mentioned is the nine bows to the ground done by a Chinese man to it emperor. In this scenario, this sign of expression is deemed fixed by a rule created by men, and not done as a natural way of communication.

In my opinion, design has a higher outreach then language does. Considering that we in the present have multiple language from different cultures, it is more complex now to communicate with someone else. Someone who only knows English will not understand someone who only speaks Japanese. But through symbols, most are universal understood, communication is a little easier. This goes for design through use of colors, symbols, or audio, and even expressions done through the body.

Over the years, the way designers developed their craft has changed both physically and mentally. The advancement of technology is a contributing factor to this change. Before technology rapidly increased, designers designed with the intention of providing truths and facts. According to Helen Armstrong in Graphic Design Theory, “the ideal of objectivity replaced that of subjectivity.” So, designers would detach their emotions or beliefs from their product to focus on its true nature, and purpose, that can serve people. Most designs that were made served as a function to its form. These items weren’t viewed as a form of art. This piqued my interest because the transition in art/design is obvious to the average man.

Nowadays, with advanced technology, not only are we able to communicate easily with each other, but we are able to communicate with anyone around the world. Even more so now, our lives go beyond that of the real world into metaverses. With designing in mind, not only do we still keep in mind the function and purpose, but we bind to it an emotional purpose, a purpose with belief. As designers, we have shared ideas, we are influenced by social changes, and hold beliefs in which we may want to create impact. As Helen Armstrong describes, the “design field has expanded to include more direct critical engagement with the surrounding world.” There exists a broader audience and with that an access to global awareness.

Another takeaway from the reading by Munari is that change will always happen. As a designer, we are usually told to not stick too close to our projects because they may not work or we have to let them go sooner or later. One of the main reasons that designers shouldn’t hold too close, as Munari explains, is because techniques used will change, our use of materials will change, and new problems will arise. So something that worked before and looked good, may change within a few months or years. As we advanced through life, there will always be room for new ideas and new or recycled designs.

I relocated my computer set up, so my video is very scuffed! My microphone seems to always be against me. Sorry in advance! (Also, pronouns: she*/her)