Overview

Our first reading assignment consists of an introduction to the primary text we will use in this course, Graphic Design Theory: Readings From the Field compiled and edited by Helen Armstrong. This introduction briefly mentions many of the designers, movements, and texts included in the collection while also describing the author’s own interest in the theoretical aspects of the design process.

Key Themes and Takeaways

  • Revisiting the Avant Garde: Armstrong believes that the ambitions of avant garde artists from the early 20th century should be questioned but should inspire designers of today 
  • Collective Authorship is an constantly evolving aspect of design, in which the producer-consumer relationship plays a key role
  • Universal Systems of Connection have been envisioned a means of uniting people through design, but remain restrictive in many ways
  • Social Responsibility must be a part of the design process, as designers play a key role in shaping society
  • We should ask what role the avant-garde of the new millennium will play

Instructions

After reading and annotating the text, write a response and submit in BRIGHTSPACE. Your response should be about 3 paragraphs for each reading. Be sure to checked for spelling and grammar errors. 

1. Open the reading.

In a new tab open the text Armstrong, Helen. Graphic Design Theory: Readings From the Field, Princeton Architectural Press, 2009. Navigate to pages 9-15 to read “Introduction: Revisiting the Avant-Garde.”

2. Consider these questions.

Here are the questions to which you should respond in your reading response:

  • According to this author, what role should design play in society?
  • What distinguishes the field, or fields, of design from other creative occupations?
  • Why should designers concern themselves with unsolvable theoretical questions?
  • What role does technology play in shaping design?
  • What are the most urgent problems facing designers today?
  • How, and why, is a designer responsible for solving these problems?

4. Read & Annotate.

Consider the questions/prompts listed above. Start to formulate the answers to these questions while you practice close reading with annotations. This will be part of your grade. Share at least 3 annotations in the Hypothesis group, including your questions, definitions, and ideas with your classmates. Add the tags: Revisiting the Avant-Garde and Reading Response 1 to your annotations.

Please be sure to add the following title with the reading response number and your last name.

  • TITLE: Reading Response 1 – Your Last Name
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