Design is deeper than Commercialism
Can we improve outcomes for designers in a society governed by capitalist ideals?
For this project, we were tasked with exploring an area of interest that influences our design practice as a student. I explored whether designers could achieve better outcomes within a capitalist framework. The focus was on identifying the challenges and constraints designers encounter in studio environments and evaluate potential strategies that could enhance well-being and professional fulfillment.
Through this research, I hoped to shed light on the complex relationship between design, capitalism, the quality of work life and contribute to the ongoing dialogue around the role of designers in a rapidly changing world. I aspire to contribute to improving the world for my peers and reduce the alarming statistics regarding mental health concerns in the creative industry.
Through this research, I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of considering the social, cultural, and political contexts in which communication design operates. By identifying and analysing examples of historical and contemporary design work of other creatives, I have learned to anticipate multiple viewpoints, readings, and interpretations of design work.
One of the objectives of this course was to develop research skills and articulate aspects of my emerging design practice. I have achieved this objective by identifying research methods that support my design practice and developing specialist subject knowledge to compare, contrast, debate, and communicate critical perspectives of my own Communication Design practice.
This research has helped me to identify my position as a designer and the personal involvement I have with my work. It has enabled me to more profesionally review contextual knowledge. I look forward to further exploring these topics and researching how we can optimise work environments for creative people.
Above is a poster that I designed to visually illustrate the detrimental effects of a capitalist work environment on designers. It portrays the predicament of creatives being encouraged to over-book their schedules to satisfy capitalism's desire to maximise output, profitability, and efficiency despite negative impacts on their mental health and wellbeing.
Below is a design research paper I wrote that delves into the negative impacts that designers face in a society governed by capitalist ideals. I examine the various approaches that designers can adopt to confront these challenges and mitigate negative impacts.
