Author: Nirel Escalante

In the reading given, “Course in General Linguistics” by Ferdinand de Saussure, I have learned the the many categories that the study of linguistics holds. Its a term that not only defines speech but all other forms of expression as well. Semiology is a science that students signs within society that is a part of social psychology. Language relates to semiology in the sense that it is a certain special system within semiological data.

I found the reading interesting because it really contemplates the meaning of language and specifies it down. I’ve learned that language is a system of signs which essentially is the union of meanings, sound and images. In comparison, linguistic signs are not abstractions, however they are socially and collectively approved. With that being said, symbols can communicate to larger audiences in that it goes beyond speech. A symbol must be able to communicate a simple meaning across various kinds of peoples, cultures, etc though it is impossible for a symbol to be completely universal. In America, we use a variety of symbols including emojis, bathroom signs, social media icons, and transportation to name a few.

Language, graphic communication and visual arts relate to each other in the fact that they are all systems of communication. These forms of communication have to adhere to the “correct” way of communicating according to the period that it is in so it makes sense and effectively communicates to that culture/ time period.

 

Based on the reading , I have gained an ever better perspective about how the history of graphic design plays a huge role in the evolution of it and how various design movements shaped the current era of emerging designers. From what I’ve gathered, the reason why rudimentary communication systems are relevant for contemporary information systems is because it is crucial as designers world wide to be reflective and critical of ourselves because it is the only way to move forward and continue the evolution of design. For that to happen, we must understand that every era had its issues which influenced that eras design movement. With each design movement come different ideas, issues to address, and technological advancements.

I find it interesting how now as designers we have kind of went back to the International Style movement, which are influenced by ideals of anonymity and is very programmatic system as well. This is due to the advancement of technology that makes it accessible for individuals designers or not, to produce content on various platforms. Now there are so many shared tools and resources out there that can hinder our creativity as designers. I also agree with the comparison of the International Style and what Dmitri Siegel’s term for where graphic designers fall now “Prosumerism” (simultaneous production and consumption). Because as designers we have a vast network of us and living in an era where we are connected more than ever , we are redefining universality which is an ideal that relates with the International Style- being able to detach emotionally from their work for a rational universal approach. At the same time designers of today do not adhere to strict design rules. The mass of work emerging from this new universality is a combination of many different styles, blurring a singular vision for what universality is.

The comparison between the International Style and Prosumerism also relates in that there is a restrictive element in our approach to design. For Designers today it is more about how we design- we all use the same software, tools, and technologies. This relates to why it is important as designers to concern ourselves with the history, writings and techniques of designers of the past because with the vast amount of people all creating with the same tools, programs and technology, content is bound to look the same and get boring. We always have to look for new ways to approach design and looking to the past is one way to do that.