OUGD401 - Context of Practice Lecture 9

What is Research?

Hindsight is the ability to look back at history and be able to see what happened, however at the time it was unknown how it would pan out.

In COP we research about practise, in PPP we research into our practice and in Studio Practice we use research as practice.

Research, Reflection, Analysis

Research develops our experience meaning that we have to do things in order to research. Experiential learning is when we bring together what we found making the research practice.

'Process is more important than outcome' 

When the outcome drives process you get the same thing, however when the process drives the work it is unknown as to what you will get.

Research doesn't just clarify the world through problem solving, experiments and discovery. Research develops strategies for ideas creating genius's..

You have to get thing wrong to make better and more exciting work.

You can't get it right before you get it wrong.

If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be research.

Intelligent people ask questions, creating new ideas.

The basis of not knowing is research.

Research what everybody else has seen to think what know body else thought . We make connections in different ways.

Model for developing ideas:

Simulated Approach

This involves looking for inspiration from things around us that will inspire us. Through actively seeking inspiration it will help to solve problems. This can be a conscious or subconscious as we make associations between things seen and the problem.

Systematic Approach

This involves using existing material which can be restructured to create new ideas.

Intuitive Approach

This is based on experience we already have and involves internalised perceptions which are spontaneous. The intuitive approach is what we aim for.

There is a cyclical process between the approaches as we absorb work to create ideas and break things to make new things. They all involve experiences to develop new ideas.

What is research?

Research is the process of finding facts which lead to knowledge. This uses what is already known through collecting information from a range of sources and experiments, through trying things, talking to people and experiencing things. Research means analysising these things and seeing where it takes you.

Ask questions to find out things, it doesn't mean you are stupid. Through asking questions you can develop an approach to problem solving.

Types of research

Primary research is gathered to help solve a problem and involves the collection of data that does not exist.
Secondary research is collected by others at a different time and needs to be analysed and interpreted.

Quantitative research  involves measurable numerical data which is gathered and analysed. It is a statistical analysis that is objective.

Qualitative research involves gathering opinions and observations. It is about quality of information not quantity. It is subjective and gives ideas about peoples perceptions.

What is info?

By knowing what info we need this drives research

Methodology 

Phase 1 - Assimilation - accumulate and order information for the problem
Phase 2 - General Study - investigate the nature of the problem 
Phase 3 - Development and Refinement
Phase 4 - Communication - the communication of ideas to other people     

Study Task 3: Visual Analysis Essay

Notes from a theory of craft : functional and aesthetic expression by Howard Risatti

-        Aristotle theory of knowledge – theoria which is theoretical or cognitive knowledge – praxis which is practical knowledge – poiesis which is knowledge involved in making, producing and creating something

-        The designer conceives the idea and a worker realises the design through workmanship – entails a rote process of making

-        Workmanship of certainty – quality is predetermined

-        No workmanship in automated production – workmanship is only when the hand comes into contact with the material

-        Designs are abstractions of things that exist in theory not reality

-        Workmanship is practical manual skill – a person who brings a design to life

-        Craftsmanship combines the abstract and practical aspect – includes the designing and production of something

-        Craftsman conceives and executes an idea

-        The designer does not encounter the physical world of matter – creates an instructional design plan which is notational

-        It is then realized by someone else

-        Workman uses imagination to bring it to life

-        Designers compelled to conceive objects for mass production – design may be original but the results will not be

-        Designers experience becomes divorced from the material and skill used to make the object

-        Machines efficient so the designer makes the design fit these restrictions – don’t understand the qualities of the material – instead focus on what lends itself to machine processes

-        When you experience a handmade object, it is individual reflects the makers autonomy

-        When you experience a machine made object the experience is the same for everyone 

Study Task 3 : Visual Analysis Essay

Image Analysis Notes, Key Quotes and Ideas

Sooji Lee - Machined Bodoni typeface

-        Typeface created using a handmade machine

-        Individual strokes are mapped out by the designer to create each letter

-        Machine then uses this info to create the drawn Bodoni typeface

-        The mechanical instrument is used as a ‘printing’ tool to create work – will be slightly different each time – like letterpress process

-        Becomes a new typeface through the use of the mechanical process – able to create something new when approached in a different way

-        Digital or handmade?

-        Removes makers mark? – follows the exact position of mapped marks of the maker – true reflection of maker’s mark -  but does the mechanised system take away the human touch? Although hand mapped the maker does not physically come into contact with the work

-        Machine takes on the process of writing – letters become drawn in appearance which contrasts with the original digital Bodoni typeface

-        Turns the typeface into a written format – people refer to typing as writing – the tool plays with this concept

-        Drawn not printed – longer process – less industrial – more handmade?

-        Time consuming able to create a more precise finish with the use of a computer in a shorter period of time

‘Designers have lost an understanding of the basic tools and principles that they are using as graphic designers’

Maker created the tool and mapped out each individual letter – will have an intimate knowledge of the typeface and its anatomy – the machine mechanics created by her allow complete understanding and control over the tool – not always the case with computers as a majority of people do not know the complete workings of the tools they use

Computers however allow for ease of use

‘Handmade processes allow a deeper understanding of the design process and how things are made’

‘Imperfections allow the viewer and insight into how the piece was made’

Individual strokes show the process of creation

‘The makers mark creates a connection between the viewer and the person who has made it, making it more believable and real’

Double Dagger - Letterpressed Newspaper

-        A fully letter pressed newspaper – manually created

-        Publication about letterpress – discusses issues around the process, problems and the love for it

-        Has glitches such as upside down text and a variety of symbols and ligatures not normally used in digital printing – would not normally see in a daily newspaper- unique and quirky – errors more human – makers mark creates a connection with the viewer

-        Use of letterpress – reactionary to the mass distribution of the swiss style in 1970s – reverting back

-        Limited run makes it more precious to the owner – value the time and effort put into the creation of it – digital would be created much quicker but ‘the public understand the ease at which something can be created digitally, whereas something handmade is seen as more skilful’

-        Traditional typefaces used – reaction to swiss typography seen everywhere

-        Difference in print / tone from the printing technique – makes it unique

-        Use of traditional techniques means it is more time consuming leading to a limited rum in production. Digital design allows for ease of production whilst maintaining a consistent print finish – professional finish – more commercially viable – niche product

Designers have become ‘creatively disengaged’

Prompted by the digital takeover – wanting to return back

‘the time and effort put into handmade work creates an outcome with integrity and a story behind it’

Viewer emphasises with the beginnings of the project 

Andrew Byrom - Grab Me  

-        Alphabet created from metal tubular rails

-        Made from steel which has many constraints – is a hard material to work with – needs specialist knowledge - have to learn about the process – more understanding about the creation of the work – multiple processes to understand and take into consideration

-        Takes on the role of a functional object – used as hand grips – plays with this concept – becomes useful and adds value to the work – understood as a physical thing and becomes real

-        Interactive – viewers are able to touch and experience it – creates more of an impression

-        Able to see how the piece was made

-        Niche market – where would it function if only the word play can be spelt in the material – becomes gimmicky and dated

-        Gets a specialist to create the work rather than the designer making it from the beginning – means the designer takes on a purely design task – may not have as much physical understanding as anticipated – more theory based.

-        Specialist materials, tools and help would be need to create the work – would increase the price of the product

‘Physicality of creating means the design becomes responsive and influenced by process’

The designer becomes ‘responsive to the materials’

The constraints of the material meant the work was altered to adapt to the restrictions posed

‘By combining analogue and digital techniques innovative work can be created as long as one the computer is seen as one tool amongst many’

Digital design influenced the production the three-dimensional work – shows how two and three-dimensional design can influence one another and vice versa.

‘imperfections within the work allow insight into how the work was made’

Able to see the joins and bends of the material – can work out its construction much easier in real life 

New York Times Logo by Dan Tobin Smith

-        Created for the New York Times

-        Uses multiple objects to recreate their logo

-        Perspective is important – the work can only be seen at a certain angle – captured at one point in time – will never be able to recreate the same image – cannot be reproduced exactly – unique

-        Light makes up the form – outlines the letterform – created using candles and lights on different paths

-        Movement – journey along materials – letter formed through a journey around the space – use of mechanical materials and forms of transport – emphasises the sense of journey

-        Which is the work ?  The physical piece or the photograph of the work- the picture captures the moment – the objects become the facilitators of the work / moment

-        The design is dictated by how the mechanics work – have to change and adapt positioning’s until they work in the right way – considerations of height , layout , lie etc

‘ Hacking technology allows people to use it in new ways and create something more personal and reflective of their needs’

Modified technology for a new function – adapted to work in a specific way – collaboration of materials has created something unique  - ‘making use of a range of processes’

‘physicality of creating the means design becomes responsive and is influenced by process’

‘ being physically involved with the process of creating the work allows more opportunity to be creative and innovative’

Open Air St Gallen by Ramon Lenherr and Florian Brunner

-        Poster advertising a swiss music festival

-        Typography – rough and ready – diy approach in creating letterforms – reflects the haptic tent construction process

-        Uses materials such as rope and pegs which are used in camping – portrays the setup of the festival

-        Colour – uses natural colours such as browns and greens which reflects the natural surroundings the festival is set in

-        Photography / computer used as a way of mass distribution – cost effective – still retains the physicality of the objects

-        Used found materials – little value – conveys sense of place

‘through improvisation and adaptation, digital and handmade can inform work and work together to create interesting design

‘digital design allows more precise work to be produced, with a greater quantity of imagery and detail which is not always possible with analogue techniques’

Uses objects which provide association with the context – a lot of detail conveyed in just the letterforms – enhanced by their physicality

‘handmade elements communicate a reality and truthfulness to the audience which has more emotive qualities than digital design ‘

Sensory objects – concept of texture 

Rubik's Cube Font Generator by Jas Bhachu 

-        Uses a rubiks cube a a frame to create something new

-        Moves the initial function from a puzzle to a printing tool

-        Rubber shapes added to the cube allow stamping of letters

-        Users become engaged with the piece

-        Provides a structure and a means for the viewer to create from

-        Accessible for a range of people because of its format which is easily understood

-        People understand the function of a rubiks cube and have previous knowledge of how it works whereas computer orientated work can be harder to comprehend for many people

-        Makes more sense to them and they feel more engaged with the work

-        Viewers would find it fun and interesting – curiosity and play - interaction

-        Able to create things for themselves which creates a sense of achievement and provides an experience making the work more meaningful

-        The viewer leaves their own mark on the work created rather than the designers mark

-        The designer hands over creative responsibility and the viewer takes ownership of the tool to create their own work.

‘Hacking technology allows people to use it in new ways and to create something more personal and reflective of their needs’

used existing object and has reconfigured its function whilst maintaining its original form

‘being physically involved with the process of creating the work allows more opportunity to be creative and innovative, there is a tangible connection between the work and the designers’

‘digital tools allow typography to be used and made by anyone’

handmade techniques make typography accessible as well – a DIY approach – more engaged with the process

‘involvement with a physical work creates an experience for the viewer’

 viewer becomes the user and creator

Study Task 2 - Context of Practice Essay

Triangulation & Referencing Task Worksheet

Theme: Politics / Society / Culture / History / Technology / Aesthetics

Focus:

Book reference (author, year of publish) e.g. “Jones, 2015”	Relevant key points in summary (use bullet points)	Additional notes (e.g. for or against)
Odling – Smee, 2002, pg 6 – 8, 11-16, 21 -24, 29 -35, 40, 42-43	Only recently has handmade not been seen as outdated  Computers have dominated design and created an excess of visually perfect graphics Digital production methods provide speed and ease which means designers can become complacent which can hold the practice back As a tool computers enhanced creative possibilities and reduced arduous tasks in design The abundance of ‘Swiss Style’ became the norm in the 1970s and this mass marketed style was applied everywhere which meant there was little individual personality at the time, which lead to experimental techniques rising in popularity as a reaction to this. The use of computers for mass market design has led to everything having a homogenised and standard look. By placing a multitude of visual components into software it is ultimately blending the distinction between medias and creating a standard look to everything Designers have become ‘creatively disengaged’ Designers have lost an understanding of the basic tools and principles that they are using as graphic designers. The use of pre-created design elements ‘are often a camouflage for a lack of creativity’ and mean designers have lost an understanding of the basic tools and principles within graphic design creation. Handmade graphics are unique with a sense of believability which is trusted more than sleek computer graphics. By avoiding the obvious route and making use of the range of processes available it is possible to combine technology and traditional techniques to create more imaginative work. The high levels of reproduction in digital design are quickly and easily done which questions the notion of quality within the practice. Analogue techniques have a much greater depth and subtlety which is not as easily matched in digital design People are drawn to the tactility of analogue printing methods which is not simulated in litho – printing Being physically involved with the process of creating the work allows more opportunity to be creative and innovative as there is a tangible connection between the work and designer. Traditional techniques have become rarer which increases there draw Imperfections make analogue techniques more appealing as this is in direct contrast to the easily obtainable perfect printing in digital design. There is association between analogue techniques and trust The work becomes more precious because it is clear time and effort has been put into the work which increases its value Drawing skills have been replaced by computers meaning the craft within the creation of the work has been lost and therefore this reduces respect for the design process. Whilst computers have huge creative freedom this can also be disabling because of lack of boundaries Sketching is quicker and more spontaneous Analogue techniques require decisions to be more considered as they can have a direct impact on the overall outcome. The public understand the ease at which something can be created digitally with little or no training whereas something hand created is seen as more skilful and a show of creative ability. Computers allow designers to do precise tasks that would be impossible by hand By combining analogue and digital techniques innovative work can be created as long as the computer is seen as one tool amongst many.	The New Handmade Graphics – beyond digital design For Handmade
Bierut et al , 1994, pg 83 - 87	Digital tools allow typography to be used and made by anyone Traditionalists suggest that there will be a decline in standards with the increased accessibility of technology Evangelists suggest that everyone will have their own personal typefaces that will be as individual as their own handwriting Some designs can be costly and time consuming to make using traditional techniques, computers rectify this. Swiss modernism bore neutral and objective sans serif letterforms which new typographers have reacted against by using technology to create quirky subjective typefaces which have multiple meanings allowing the reader to become a participant in the construction of the message Typefaces may begin to simulate the effect of print by decaying parts or printing things upside down, which suggests a discontent with digital outputs There has been a revaluation of the handmade by designers who are unhappy with the perfection of professional graphic design, seeing other techniques as having authenticity and expression. Deconstructivism can be used to allow the viewer to discover hidden meanings and complexities within language.	Looking Closer : Critical Writigs on Graphic Design – Essay by Rick Poyner
Bierut et al, 1994, pg 171 - 173	There is a deeper connection between drawing and design than just having the ability to express design decisions in sketches. It is a physical process in which deep instincts determine how to express and experience form and space. It increases our knowledge of what we observe and prompts associative responses that encourage further drawing. It allows designers to use their surroundings as a visual material for their work.	Looking Closer: Critical Writigs on Graphic Design – Essay by James McMullan
Bierut et al, 1997, pg 94 -97	‘Does technology extinguish creativity and originality, or does it expand them’ There is usually initial resistance to technology then accommodation and finally acceptance to its use Machines have replaced the hand in precision and speed which has led to the once scarce becoming common. The introduction of technology has also altered our perception of originality and creativity and now computers provide storage that allow infinite recall. Creativity occurs when both memory and forgetfulness work in balance. Memory provides context whilst forgetfulness makes room for invention.	Looking Closer 2: Critical Writing’s on Graphic Design – Essay by Paul Saffo
Chen Design Associates	The computer removes imperfections and the preciseness makes the work less human More thought and a deeper connection between the sender and receiver when handmade External factors such as the rise of computers and the recession has led people to like making simple things using simple materials. Designers are more engaged with the process of making when using analogue techniques, this connection is retained within the work Handmade work has a tangibility and humanness which is essential in design. Anyone can use software to create design with little knowledge It is often harder to create something simple but well by hand. Makers mark creates a connection between the viewer and the person who has made the work, it is more believable and real to them. Handmade elements communicate a reality and truthfulness to the audience which has more emotive qualities than digital design. Handmade elements evoke deeper emotions and show the passion of the maker. It is not about aesthetics, instead it is about the human connection between the maker and receiver. Handmade design is not perfect, instead it is full of meaning and is more personal to the viewer.	Fingerprint 2 -  Article by Colin Barry
Creative Bloq	The recession has made people more financially conscious so they are willing to have a go at things in order to save money Returned to the handmade as a response to the mechanised sterility and machine made aesthetic of modernism Consumers expect brands to have integrity with history and provenance which is important to portray within brand identities Digital processes enhance aesthetics but lose character within a design Physicality of creating means design becomes responsive and is influenced by process The designer is not always in control when using analogue techniques and is responsive to materials. Improvisation often lead to the most interesting results. Handmade processes allow a deeper understanding of the design process and how things are made Digital and handmade can inform each other and work together to create interesting design. Tools for using a computer are very limited whereas by hand the physical process is much broader. Handmade takes time and effort meaning the final outcome has integrity and a story behind it which is more engaging to viewers. Imperfections within a work allow the viewer an insight into how it was made. Hacking technology allows people to use it in new ways and create something more personal and reflective of their needs Handmade does not mean old or nostalgic. By using both traditional and digital techniques through improvisation and adaptation design can move forward in innovative ways.	Creative Bloq: The Future of handmade design
Poyner Pg 96 – 97, 114 -115	The computer’s ability to delete does not leave any trace of what has come before, meaning accidents do not have lasting consequences and instead can lead to unexpected directions. Digital design has a less certain quality in which nothing is ever finished. Digital design allows a much greater quantity of imagery and detail to be used, which is not always possible with analogue techniques. Graphic excess and complexity have become usual. Minimalism has periodically had resurgences in commercial design	No More Rules: Graphic Design and Postmodernism