Reading #1 - Forward/Introduction

Forward/Introduction

Looking back at a quick history of design was a great reminder of where we have been, where we are, and where we might be as designers. This is also helpful in learning theory of design, which was described in the book as the “why” of design. When designers started out there was little recognition or authorship, thus it is important to understand the “why”. Why do we design? Do we do it to get recognition? To unify the world with visual communication? To express our own emotions and thoughts through design? These are a few of the things that design theory can teach a designer, and it can be just because they look at the history of design to learn why they did what they did. Just like Jessica Helfand urges, we should become the new avant-garde and “think beyond technical practicalities and begin really ‘shaping a new and unprecedented universe.’”