Reflection #1
In the introductory class and in light of the online learning experience, I got familiar with a new digital tool, “Miro” which acted as a platform for an ice-breaking activity as students introduced themselves. A new digital experience which for me was engaging and this platform can also be further used to make notes for ourselves or help in carrying out group activities in other courses as well. It can also be used to collect and narrow down our design research and process effectively. It is always good to explore different interactive options to make our learning experience interesting and exciting.
I learnt a new term affinity diagram used by designers to make data points, something I was not familiar with before. Designers conduct their research by observing or interviewing people, documenting their behaviors to certain things or conducting workshops. It is an evaluative method helping us make sense of common points which would help us design the respective product. So far the research I have conducted has been very limited, I did not consider practical research or the consumer behavior but only internet-based research while designing a visual identity in my previous semester.
We discussed how the design industry has evolved and digitalized over the years. There weren’t many design schools in Pakistan but now we have introduced different disciplines. Interaction design has been introduced, UI and UX design is growing rapidly here. However, the old generation of our country still dos not accept design as an acceptable education field. Is it for the reason that they do not understand how we are the problem-solvers? Or is because the thought that art ad design is for people who do not like to study still inhibited in their minds? Or is it for the mere problem of low salaries for designers as they are mostly exploited by the consumers? The designer is yet to be celebrated and appreciated in our country for the work they do.
An important question that was put across by the instructor in relation to the issues caused by the heavy rainfall to the infrastructure of Karachi, how can we, as designers contribute to and be a part of solving this issue? I believe, as designers we have a huge responsibility as we are problem-solvers and communicators. Being a graphic design student, we can create awareness through marketing and advertising on social media. We can work on environmental design which would create awareness amongst local people who do not use much of social media. Newspaper adds, magazine covers and even creating motion graphics keeping in mind our target audience can help in bringing people on the same page. The design should leave an impact on the people emotionally and only then can we expect actions to be taken.
Another takeaway from the class was the discussion on why design history is important as it teaches us the social, political and economic aspect of the art piece created or the reason behind certain art movements at that time period. This helps us get a better understanding of human condition and informs us that since ages designers i.e. problem-solvers have been seeking for solutions through their art and design. It can be by creating propagandas, starting art movements or introducing new techniques and ideas. I feel alongside history of design we can easily grasp and the global perspectives in design education (issues being discussed in design industry and academia) that the instructor aims to teach us in this course. In order to understand the present, we need to understand the past.
Photography was once a huge industry but now the nature of photography is shifting. I recently learnt how to handle a DSLR as a part of photography minor course. Although it was a fun experience, I still think mobile phone is easy to handle and carry around to take photographs. You do not always have a DSLR with you but then again in the professional area, you need these expensive cameras for fashion or product photography, even wedding photography. The purpose of DSLRs is still there in the professional field.
