Overview
Our first reading consists of an introduction to the text Graphic Design Theory: Readings From the Field, Armstrong, Helen, Princeton Architectural Press, 2009. Navigate to pages 6-7 to read “Why Theory? by Ellen Lupton.”
And we will also read a page from the text “Extra Bold” by Ellen Lupton, Farah Kafei, and Jannifer Tobias.
Due Date(s)
- Add your reading response in a comment HERE on this post before our next meeting. Follow the instructions below.
Instructions
NOTE: Prior to starting this assignment, complete the Week 2 Agenda tasks: Using Hypothesis, and review OpenLab Help> Commenting on a Site.
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 6-7 to read “Why Theory?” by Ellen Lupton.
In another tab, open this excerpt from “Extra Bold” by Ellen Lupton, Farah Kafei, and Jannifer Tobias (Log in to OpenLab to view this reading.)
2. Enable Hypothesis.
Enable Hypothesis in your Chrome browser, login to your account and select our group COMD Theory Spring2025 Group (IMPORTANT!) from the dropdown to make sure your annotations and highlights will be recorded in the group. See Using Hypothesis for details.
HAVING TROUBLE accessing hypothes.is on your device?
Add “https://via.hypothes.is/” to the start of any web address (URL) or use the Paste a Link feature.
Still, having trouble? Sometimes, the Adobe extension conflicts with the Hypothesis extension in Chrome. Turn it off temporarily.
3. Read & Annotate.
Practice close reading with annotations. Share at least 3 annotations in our Hypothesis group, including your questions, definitions, and ideas with your classmates.
Add the tag Why Theory? to your annotations. (See adding tags in Using Hypothesis.)
4. Consider these questions/prompts
- What stood out to you in these two readings?
- What is your own definition of Design Theory?
- Why do you think studying Design Theory could be useful to you as a designer?
- Why do you think contributing your voice to the written discourse of the design field could be important? *You might also check out AIGA’s Eye on Design to discover what topics contemporary designers are exploring.
5. Add your Reading Response in a comment on THIS post
Write a draft of your 200-word response in your software of choice. Check for grammar/spelling errors using Google Docs spell-grammar check or Grammarly. Check your word count prior to adding your Reading Response.
Include links to at least (3) of your Hypothesis annotations in your response. In Hypothesis > select the Share icon > copy the URL. (see Using Hypothesis > Share)
When ready, add a comment at the bottom of this post and paste your response. Be sure to double-check the formatting before hitting “Post“!
Resources
More info
- Tutorials > Using Hypothesis
- OpenLab Help > Commenting on a Site
- Student Example > Why Theory? Reading Response by Morgan Jeong
Texts
- “Introduction: Revisiting the Avant-Garde” from DesignOpenData
- “Extra Bold: A Feminist, Inclusive, Anti-racist, Nonbinary Field Guide for Graphic Designers” by Ellen Lupton, Farah Kafei, and Jannifer Tobias
Design Theory refers to principles and foundation concepts that helps to the creation of design. It is important to me as a student because design theory provides the foundation of design is to question existing norms and helps in design choices, leading to growth and success in the work.
“Theory is all about the question, “why?”
Why do we do the things we do when we design something? As designers, we should encourage this question and attempt to think more critically about our decisions, as well as seek out others’ opinions. This is how we as designers build community; and not in a superficial sense like networking events where many avoid hot takes or like when design influencers sell their online courses. Fostering an environment where we are encouraged to learn, discuss, and iterate is crucial to the development of design culture.
“Design is a social activity.”
We are always designing something for someone, even if that someone is ourselves. Seeking feedback is inherent to the process. Being unselfish is an important trait for a designer, keeping your process to yourself is a surefire way to stagnate your practice. Of course, this doesn’t mean that every single thought should be shared with the world, some need to marinate, and others might only be shared with a chosen few. The key here is curation; intentional thinking. We should bring our best and most curious selves to the table. To those of us who are more introverted, it might be overwhelming, but we just need to start with “why?” and a little effort and everything else will follow.
If we make a point of initiating discussion with genuine intent and assume genuine intent from our peers, we can maintain a base level of respect that informs our relationship with each other as fellow designers and by extension our work.
Designers are not just executors; they are thinkers and communicators. Design is inherently collaborative, involving teamwork as well as communication with clients, stakeholders, and users. While many people may not consciously notice the nuances of typography, color, or layout, these design choices are everywhere, shaping our daily experiences.
Theory is essential for designers. Reading, critical writing, and discussions help expand perspectives, challenge conventional thinking, and drive innovation in design practice. Design isn’t just about “making”—it’s about “thinking” and “understanding”—understanding users, society, and the cultural and theoretical foundations behind design.
In an ever-evolving industry, designers must continuously learn new technologies while developing adaptability and critical thinking to navigate future challenges.
Just as we are required to take two art courses to graduate, studying theory deepens our understanding of visual language, cultural context, and design evolution. Art history, for example, reveals how artistic movements, social shifts, and technological advancements have shaped design throughout history. By analyzing past works, designers can recognize patterns, understand aesthetic choices, and apply these insights to contemporary challenges. Studying theory not only provides a strong foundation but also fosters creativity by allowing designers to draw inspiration from historical influences and reinterpret them in modern contexts.
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“Why Theory?” asks us why is design theory important to us graphic designers. In my opinion, design theory is important to us because it helps us learn about the ideas of why and how designs work. It helps us understand the design principles and convey a message to the target audience.
Technological developments, cultural changes, and creative discovery all have an impact on the ever changing field of design. The idea that design is a response to the environment around us as much as a visual activity caught my attention in these paragraphs. The reference to Josef Müller-Brockmann as a Swiss design pioneer makes me think about how fundamental ideas, such as the grid system, continue to shape modern design.
Design theory, in my opinion, is the study of how design works on an aesthetic and social level. It’s about comprehending the reasons behind the effectiveness of particular visual techniques, how they effectively convey concepts, and how they influence human experiences. Because it enables designers to produce with purpose rather than only aesthetics, studying design theory is essential. It helps in making decisions, improves critical thinking, and offers historical background that might stimulate new concepts.
Participating in the design conversation is crucial because it promotes creativity and fresh perspectives. Through our work, designers influence culture. Our observations support the industry’s expansion.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16tNZjx0HBAx4_r6sHDrbjYJV56QlB70YPAYxbaLJzdc/edit?tab=t.0
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Design theory explores the why behind graphic design, encouraging designers to think critically about their work rather than just mastering the how. While design education focuses on technical skills like software, problem-solving, and working with clients, theory provides a deeper understanding of the field’s aesthetic, social, and philosophical dimensions.
This book, curated by Helen Armstrong, brings together writings from influential designers who paused their work to reflect on their practice. These texts highlight how design is a social activity, shaping everyday life while often going unnoticed. Through theory, designers connect across time, sharing ideas that inspire innovation and critical thought.
In simple terms, design theory is the study of the principles, ideas, and critical thinking that shape graphic design.It helps designers understand the purpose of their work, challenge norms, and create meaningful, impactful designs.
For graphic designers, engaging with theory fosters creativity, strengthens their decision-making, and prepares them for the ever-changing industry. It transforms design from just making things look good to making them work effectivelywithin cultural and social contexts. By reading and thinking critically, designers not only improve their skills but also contribute to the evolution of design itself.
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The study of the ideas, concepts, and procedures that direct the production of aesthetically pleasing, useful, and significant designs is known as design theory. It investigates the ways in which design components—like color, typeface, composition, and form—interact with technology, culture, and human perception. It also takes into account how design practices are shaped by historical influences and new trends.
Design theory is essential to study because it enables designers to make well-informed choices instead of depending only on their gut feelings. Comprehending design principles facilitates efficient problem-solving, fosters creativity, and guarantees that designs effectively convey their intended message. It also aids in understanding how design affects human emotions and behavior, improving the usefulness and aesthetic appeal of work.
It is crucial to contribute to the written discourse in design because it shapes the field’s future. Designers add to a body of knowledge that shapes industry practices by exchanging concepts, insights, and criticism. Diverse viewpoints are also permitted, encouraging creativity and upending antiquated practices. Additionally, writing about design builds credibility in the design community and reinforces one’s own understanding.
Attaching my Reading Response
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ffrqFVkJRYyAfiU9GfAryQQDQiskIV2BDXbZhkwDUEg/edit?usp=sharing
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From what I got in the reading is that Design Theory is really about thinking deeply and shaping the world around us. The book goes to explain that designers focus on how to create designs but should also ask “why” their work matters. What stood out to me in the readings was that design is connected to culture, politics, and social change. One important idea was how design aimed to be neutral and universal, but ignored non-Western perspectives, and this goes to show why having different perspectives matter. To me, Design Theory is the study of ideas and concepts about design. It shows why designers make choices and it affects design and society, that isn’t just about tools and techniques but also about its meaning and impact in society. Studying Design Theory is really important because it helps designers critically think in new ways and create with intention. It helps designers make better decisions and keep up in a world that goes through many changes and helps create a stronger design community and makes sure different perspectives are included in the future of design. Me contributing my voice to the written discourse of the design field could be important because it would allow me to express my own ideas and learn from but in order to become a better designer.
“Why theory?”
Design theory is important because it helps us understand why we create things the way we do, not just leaning about how to create them. The readings explain that becoming a designer is all about learning new/ old tools and solving problems, but theory helps us see the bigger picture. By learning about the design history, techniques, and ideas, designers can get new ideas and find creative ways to solve problems. It helps both new and experienced designers grow and improve their skills.
Design is everywhere. Everywhere we look, theres some kind of design, like websites, packaging, furniture, ads, logos, and apps. It’s all around us in everything we see and use, but most of us don’t notice it because it’s part of our daily life. Oftentimes we are familiar with a design such as logos but don’t wonder or think about who made it. This shows that design is both easy to see and easy to miss, as mentioned in the readings. Designers create things we use every day without us thinking about who made them.
The discourse around Design Theory is rooted in the importance of asking “why” in order to further progress design evolution. The process of becoming more aware, stopping and slowing down, and asking questions on the importance of decisions i design have been proven to lead to solving problems on philosophical, aesthetic and political topics surrounding it and deepen the meaning and inspiration for many designers. To be continued…
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The discourse around Design Theory is rooted in the importance of asking “why” in order to further progress design evolution. Rather than simply focusing on execution, theory encourages designers to think critically about their choices, questioning the purpose and impact of their work. By stopping and slowing down, designers can move beyond surface level aesthetics and consider the deeper meaning of their work. This reflection process helps lead to more thoughtful and intentional design, sometimes even helping to solve complex problems about society and/or politics.
Design is not just about making things look appealing, it’s a form of communication that shapes cultural narratives and influences society. By asking “why,” designers can develop new approaches that innovate the design world. This mindset leads to work that is not only visually compelling but also meaningful and socially accurate. As designers engage with theory, there’s room to gain broader perspectives which fuels inspiration, allowing them to create with deeper purpose and a stronger connection to the world around them.
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After reading Graphic Design’s Theory…Why Theory? The main idea that sticks out to me the most is “Theory is all about the question “why?” The process of becoming a designer is focused largely on “how”. This idea is the essence of what we do in designing.
The whole point is to create an idea, an object, and a story that dictates that is the why. Without telling someone word for word I would have the opportunity of expressing my idea by showing it visually and that is why theory. For you to have a theory in design there has to be a way always. Otherwise, there is no direction. For instance,e there is a part where the article discusses that design is a social activity and that is so true I have learned that. Why? Well because without working together with one another are we even sharing expressive innovative ideas? For me to do that I have to explore and be exposed to another person’s opinion and way of design thinking. If not then I am only capable of having a one-minded view and that is a contrasting way of viewing design since creating has to come from all aspects of thinking and visual learning, It is collaboration. That is design theory and in just a few pages I am reminded of that.
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My annotations:
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These two readings were brimming with insightful perspectives. Renowned designers and critics generously shared their knowledge with aspiring designers. One particular statement that resonated with me the most was that design is a “social activity.” This realization opened my eyes to the fact that communication and collaboration are essential components of design. I had never fully appreciated the strength that comes from working together towards a common goal.
To me, design theory embodies the pursuit of critical thinking, innovative design structures, and creative problem-solving. It encourages designers to think outside the box and share ideas that contribute to the success of a project. Design theory also provides an opportunity for designers to engage with their peers and clients, fostering a collaborative approach that leads to the creation of well-rounded and thoughtful designs. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research to ensure that designs are culturally and historically appropriate.
As a young designer with a strong cultural background, I believe my voice can contribute significantly to the written discourse of the design field. My upbringing has provided me with a unique perspective and a wealth of design ideas that can inspire both my peers and clients. By embracing both new and traditional design elements, I strive to create spectacular designs that transcend generations, leaving a lasting legacy for future designers.
My understanding of Design Theory, simply put, is embracing critical thinking when it comes to design.
The study of Design Theory motivates designers to explore unconventional approaches, challenge existing assumptions, and consider innovative solutions. By embodying critical thinking as a designer, it can bolster creativity that can, in turn lead to more innovative and intentional design.
The two readings were insightful-particularly the piece on the “Why Theory.” As designers, we often focus on the aesthetic and appealing garnish of our designs. In my opinion, this article was an astute reminder that design itself is essentially about communication. More often than not, in communication, one must often ask “why”. Why does my work matter? Why am I taking this approach? Why are is this important? These are some of the basic questions that designers as we attempt to communicate with the world. Effective communication in design enables designers to better convey ideas, collaborate with teams, and critically think about creative choices, thereby ultimately leading to more impactful designs.
As a designer, contributing my voice to the written discourse of the design field could be important simply because, it is another means of communication and opens another channel of expression between myself and the world.