OUGD601 - Synthesis Statement

Synthesis Statement

In response to the research and findings of my dissertation, it was understood that people without the knowledge or understanding of design theory and history can pick up styles and dismiss/ be unaware of the context behind it. This encourages imitation and weakens the understanding of design communication. It has been argued by academics and design critics that there is currently a period of stagnation within design because of the abundance of images and information at our disposal due to the internet. People lack the awareness that the whole framework of design movements are created from concepts and principles - and the styles produced appropriately communicate these ideas.

From these considerations, Design Manifesto was created in response to this important issue. It is a website that explores the historical context to design styles and movements. It is a tool for amateurs and those without formal art and design training to gain a knowledge for a better understanding of the movements that have shaped design today. Which will give people the context behind styles and the principles of these movements. The context in which you receive information impacts your interpretation of the information. It impacts the opinions you form and it impacts the decisions you make. Studying history is one way you can add context that will impact your understanding of design in a positive way. Introducing more people to the theory and history behind design can encourage people to create/reconstruct their own principles and theories to create work that applies to this. This understanding of design will support new innovative work and encourage breaking and creating new rules within graphic design.

From further research undertaken of testing the effectiveness, it was proved that creating a digital outcome was the most appropriate measure. A website was the most accessible outcome - we are spending more time online and on smartphones than any other media, therefore an app for the website was also necessary as a suitable means of communication.

The design of the website was informed by the research undertaken. Jan Tshichold argues that the principles he laid out within ‘The New Typography’ will produce timeless design. These principles are suitable to use as the website design aims to be simple to maximize user-friendliness. Therefore, the colours of black, white, red, yellow and blue were used as Tschichold states that these are preferred colours as they have greater intensity. In addition, the use of the black block as Tschichold also states that blocks of colour are used to increase the importance of type – as the block does with the title - ‘Design Manifesto.’

The practical has effected my research question and my understanding of it as it has opened up a new area of investigation. Although this issue does not have one definitive answer – Design Manifesto aims to be a component of it by circulating knowledge to those who are most susceptible.