Design...?

The dictionary defines the term “design” thusly:

     design  \di-ˈzīn\

     (noun) 1. an outline, sketch, or plan, as of the form and structure of a work of art, an

     edifice, or a machine to be executed or constructed.   2. organization or structure of

     formal elements in a work of art; composition.   3. the combination of details or
     features of a picture, building, etc.; the pattern or motif of artistic work.   4. the art of

     designing.   5. a plan or project

     (verb) 1. to prepare the preliminary sketch or the plans for (a work to be executed),

     especially to plan the form and structure of.   2. to plan and fashion artistically or

     skillfully.   3. to intend for a definite purpose.   4. to form or conceive in the mind;

     contrive; plan.   5. to assign in thought or intention; purpose.

Yawn.

Dictionary definitions are fine, but what does “design” really mean to us? It’s more than just a word. It’s a concept. It’s a philosophy. It’s an expression. It’s a career. It’s a way of life. Paola Antonelli tells us that “People think that design is styling. Design is not style. It’s not about giving shape to the shell and not giving a damn about the guts. Good design is a renaissance attitude that combines technology, cognitive science, human need, and beauty to produce something that the world didn’t know it was missing.” And Paul Rand contends, “Art is an idea that has found its perfect visual expression. And design is the vehicle by which this expression is made possible. Art is a noun, and design is a noun and also a verb. Art is a product and design is a process. Design is the foundation of all the arts.”

In this course, we will explore all such ideas, and start to answer the questions of what design (in its many facets) is, and what it means to us practically, personally, universally, culturally…