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First of all, if 500 people were given crayons, the house wouldn't take any time at all to fill with color-- and it would be done in a way that was different for every person, but still succeeded in reaching the goal at hand. In fact, as children, we were so inclined to use crayons to color the walls that it is a sad thing that we have lost that ambition, the thought that we could change the world and have since given up.
No. I don't think design as a means to the end is going to save the world. I've said that before, and I can't contradict myself until I am convinced the truth is otherwise.I also don't think that most of us will find ways in which we are able to change the world with design, unless we seek them out. For some, opportunity will come knocking but for others, it's waiting behind a door yet undiscovered. We can't all change the world, especially not as one person, and we can't change it only with design.
I also don't agree with your definition of design, because it's not about executing ideas as much as it is identifying and determining solutions to problems. Executing ideas doesn't mean that you are serving a purpose or resolving an issue (though it is certainly a valid means of communication, one in which very few are able to find a voice and a message that reverberates outside their respective field and discipline-- yet when it does, it speaks powerfully about the ability and the means in which ideas and thoughts ARE executed). Design takes on a challenge to change the way people think and behave, which can lead to so many different things-- in this case, awareness and a voice that asks people to make decisions about what and who they put their money toward. And in many ways, designers have the ability to help create solutions for problems and improve the quality of life of people around the globe.
I do think that the definition of design is broad. But it is focused in many ways, too. Let me link you to what Wikipedia says, and what the collective anonymous contributing authors have summed up in many ways to describe design. My favorite part?
You can't honestly think that the world doesn't need saving, in any way at all. It may not be a single issue thing, but there are so many little (and not so little) things that make up a world that is filled with injustice and tragedy. As designers or not (and we all are because we all think critically and solve problems), we have a responsibility as people to try and do something that makes a difference, that creates social change. And I firmly believe that the idea of an imaginary designer* making a difference, starting in one small town, is nothing but hope for the potential of real people around the world.
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* referencing previous discussion about Ernst Bettler, who can be read about more thoroughly in an article at Design Observer.
Don't you think pushing "social change" with design is a little like painting your house with crayons? Nonsensical metaphor aside, we should probably define design first. I'll say that its just a way to execute an idea. In my opinion, all these people need to let go of the "OMG designers save the world" and just save the world (if that's even possible or needed).
No. I don't think design as a means to the end is going to save the world. I've said that before, and I can't contradict myself until I am convinced the truth is otherwise.I also don't think that most of us will find ways in which we are able to change the world with design, unless we seek them out. For some, opportunity will come knocking but for others, it's waiting behind a door yet undiscovered. We can't all change the world, especially not as one person, and we can't change it only with design.
I also don't agree with your definition of design, because it's not about executing ideas as much as it is identifying and determining solutions to problems. Executing ideas doesn't mean that you are serving a purpose or resolving an issue (though it is certainly a valid means of communication, one in which very few are able to find a voice and a message that reverberates outside their respective field and discipline-- yet when it does, it speaks powerfully about the ability and the means in which ideas and thoughts ARE executed). Design takes on a challenge to change the way people think and behave, which can lead to so many different things-- in this case, awareness and a voice that asks people to make decisions about what and who they put their money toward. And in many ways, designers have the ability to help create solutions for problems and improve the quality of life of people around the globe.
I do think that the definition of design is broad. But it is focused in many ways, too. Let me link you to what Wikipedia says, and what the collective anonymous contributing authors have summed up in many ways to describe design. My favorite part?
"In philosophy, the abstract noun "design" refers to a pattern with a purpose. Design is thus contrasted with purposelessness, randomness, or lack of complexity. To study the purpose of designs, beyond individual goals (e.g. marketing, technology, education, entertainment, hobbies), is to question the controversial politics, morals, ethics and needs such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs.Mostly? I think design is more of a verb than a noun, and that it can include a lot of things. I might not have used to think that... I'll admit. But if you see it that way, design has a lot more opportunities.... from print to product to space.
Often a designer (especially in commercial situations) is not in a position to define purpose. Whether a designer is, is not, or should be concerned with purpose or intended use beyond what they are expressly hired to influence, is debatable, depending on the situation. Not understanding or disinterest in the wider role of design in society might also be attributed to the commissioning agent or client, rather than the designer."
You can't honestly think that the world doesn't need saving, in any way at all. It may not be a single issue thing, but there are so many little (and not so little) things that make up a world that is filled with injustice and tragedy. As designers or not (and we all are because we all think critically and solve problems), we have a responsibility as people to try and do something that makes a difference, that creates social change. And I firmly believe that the idea of an imaginary designer* making a difference, starting in one small town, is nothing but hope for the potential of real people around the world.
-----
* referencing previous discussion about Ernst Bettler, who can be read about more thoroughly in an article at Design Observer.
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