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In a couple of weeks I am to give a presentation on a topical issue within graphic design of my own choice. I have chosen to present my view on design ethics. On researching my chosen topic I have found the following writings to be useful:

“Perhaps the most socially irresponsible work is the over-produced, typographic stunts that serve no real function, speak only to other designers and the cultural elite, and through opulence and uselessness revel in a level of conspicious consumption that glorifies financial excess.”

- “Can Design Be Socially Responsible” by Michael Rock in Looking Closer edited by Bierut, Drenttel, Heller & Holland, 1994

Michael Rock gives us a definition of what irresponsible design work is, and provided we agree with him, what then is our response? He certainly has a point, the nature of graphic design has changed so much from being purely pragmatic in its function in society. According to Rock, projects (of which we are the receivers) range from the absolutely essential to the downright deceitful.

“Bernard and Paris-Clavel had each spent a year in Poland studying under Henryk Tomaszewski, who stressed an attitude of being both artist and citizen. His teaching advocated an intellectual rigor and clear personal conviction about the world. These three young designers believed publicity and design were directed toward creating artificial demands in order to maximise profits, so they joined forces to turn their graphic design toward political, social and cultural rather than commercial needs.”

- “A History of Graphic Design” by Philip B. Meggs, John Wiley & Sons, 3rd Edition, 1998 p.408

I like the idea of design serving a valid and equitable need in society, one where design is seen as a response to informing people. Design as a service to citizens of society, as opposed to a sell out to consumers where design is reduced to a mere marketing tool in a consumer driven society (see my earlier post on Polish poster art).

“Every Roman was surrounded by slaves. The slave and his psychology flooded ancient Italy, and every Roman became inwardly, and of course unwittingly , a slave. because living constantly in the atmosphere of slaves, he became infected through that unconscious with their psychology. No one can shield himself from such an inflence (Contributions to Analytical Psychology, London 1928)”

- “Understanding Media” by Marshall McLuhan, Routledge, 1964

In my view, we cannot help but to be affected by the messages in the media. Marshall McLuhan talks about this in his book and how media changes the way we think, speak and act. His grounded arguments and outspoken views on the media warrant in depth analysis, and because of this it is worthwhile taking note of. Written in the 1960s before the technological revolution, some of his views on the media are suddenly very relevant nowadays.

In summary then, I am interested in addressing the following issues in my presentation:

- graphic design and its purpose in a oversaturated and consumer driven society.

- the position of the graphic designer as a citizen first, designer second.

- the monopolisation of the media (therefore shaping or influencing what society do, think and act)

If you are also interested, please check back later in two weeks, as I’ll be posting my findings on this blog. If you have views you would like to share, please do not hesitate to do so via the comments.