Book cover for the 1967 first UK edition of Marshall McLuhan and Quentin Fiore's book, The Medium is the Massage.
Apologies to all for this late posting! I've been down for the count the last few days and am just returning to the living.
1. We do have a few readings this week. But they're pretty short but sweet. We'll do summaries in class on Monday... and maybe even co-write our own manifesto.
Ken Garland, 1964, "First Things First" (book)
Marshall McLuhan, 1967-69, Excerpts, The Medium is the Massage, Hardwired, Publishers Group West. Counterblast, Harcourt, Brace & World Inc. (reader)
Bruce Mau, "An Incomplete Manifesto for Growth" (reader)
2. Also, you'll complete your test at the beginning of class on Monday. I know some of you had concerns that the "answers" could apply several of the readings. While the readings may have included these ideas, they weren't the main point. Sooooo... take another look at your readings and in some cases in may helpful to look at the summaries of others – which are included on this blog. I'm including the "Cheat Sheet" below so you can consider in advance.
04.07.08 Design Theory I | Spring 08 This is a Test Cheat Sheet
Outline of the new typography describing its aims as practical, aesthetically akin to modern painting, and embracing industrial process
An outline of a Program for furthering the ideological through the practical
Evolution of culture = Removal of ornament
Seeming chaos can actually be a complex unifying visual order
Role of the designer is expanding because of his special skills in using word and image to communicate
Printing trade as champion of civilization
Both the design + ornamentation of buildings should be created holistically.
In its aims toward simplicity, modern architecture fails to address complexity and contradictions of society and life
Structure should be based on the needs of organizing material and allows for creative use rather than repeated mundane concerns
Good design=simple objects that communicate their function
Good typography is strict service to author's words
Freedom in expression of words!
Diversity of expressions needed if art/design to remain vital!
Explores ambiguity of the industrial design profession
Style of the times is the expression of machine – reconciling both practical and spiritual needs
Origins of New American Typography is European
Typography is going to hell in a handbasket thanks to the new typography
It is a moral imperative to make goods both useful and tasteful
Design and design education today about trendy style, not good design
Struggles in introducing New Type in America
Typography for fast times: Elementary and direct.
Purpose of typography is to transfer one thought to many, not read the typography
Produce books that are readable and beautiful
The differences between real modernism and fake modernism
Exploration of what is meant by “form follows function.” True function is design that responds to needs of the “whole man”
Except when applied to transportation design, it's just a style
Whether traditional or more experimental design, I’m okay; you’re okay
