designedbyjopa

[designedbyjopa]

Manifesto No.6 | Revision

A revised version of my previous manifesto after class and instructor critique. I decided to take a step back and look back on my two manifestos that won and studied what worked and what didn't. I used the same similar visual style and imagery (that being very bold with its messaging). Texture such as grain helps hone in the grittiness of the message and tone of this composition.

[designedbyjopa]

Manifesto No.6

Designers play a crucial role in shaping the way people interact with the world, and it is essential for them to prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in their designs. Considering the needs of the elderly and individuals with disabilities ensures that design solutions are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and considerate of diverse user experiences. As we design for the present, it is imperative to contemplate the future and ask ourselves: Are our designs inclusive enough to accommodate the needs of our 80-year-old selves?

[designedbyjopa]

The Final Summary

Designers bear a significant responsibility to create inclusive and accessible solutions that cater to diverse user needs. While designers often consider various audiences, the elderly population is sometimes overlooked in the design process. As the world becomes increasingly visually oriented, designers are recognizing the importance of incorporating accessibility features for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that their designs are inclusive and user-friendly for people of all ages and abilities.

The oversight of the elderly in design can have profound implications for their daily experiences. Imagine navigating a world that feels designed against you as an 80-year-old. The lack of consideration for accessibility can lead to confusion and potentially disastrous consequences, especially in critical situations like voting. For instance, poorly designed voting ballots without accommodations for individuals with disabilities may result in unintended outcomes, as evidenced by the controversial 2000 U.S. presidential election where confusing ballot designs may have contributed to the confusion and impacted the final results.

In conclusion, designers play a crucial role in shaping the way people interact with the world, and it is essential for them to prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in their designs. Considering the needs of the elderly and individuals with disabilities ensures that design solutions are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and considerate of diverse user experiences. As we design for the present, it is imperative to contemplate the future and ask ourselves: Are our designs inclusive enough to accommodate the needs of our 80-year-old selves?

Key Takeaways:

Think about the future.

Design impacts you now, and when you're retired.

Maintain your message, aesthetics come second.

Design as if you had disabilities (try to be in someone else's shoes).

Everyone has a right to good design.

Design for everyone and it will help yourself in the end.

Over the weekend, I got a pretty nasty ear infection, which ended me getting prescribed multiple pills, one of them pain relievers to help sooth the pain I was experiencing. After taking a long look at the bill pottles I received, I noticed how incredibly small they were. So small in fact that every time I had to take a pill, I had to keep checking the intake instructions since I could never look from the bottle from afar and ensure I was taking my medicine the right way. One other aspect of this packaging that I find incredibly inaccessible is the fact that in order to see the intake instructions, you had to peel off a piece of the label, and it's quite difficult to do so despite having decently long nails. I can tell how this would be incredibly difficult for someone with joint pains or low vision. This is why I vastly prefer the target red pill bottles, as they are shown to greatly improve usage for all users and are overall such a drastic improvement to regular pill pottles.

[designedbyjopa]

Manifesto No. 5 | Revision

A revision of my previous manifesto using critiques from my classmates and professor.

[designedbyjopa]

Manifesto No.5

Accessible design plays a pivotal role in addressing the diverse needs of a wide range of audiences, both socially and financially benefiting both designers and clients. By creating designs that are accessible to individuals with disabilities, designers and clients can tap into a broader market, reaching a larger audience and potentially increasing their customer base. This inclusivity not only aligns with ethical considerations but also makes good business sense, as it opens up opportunities for greater engagement and customer loyalty.Accessible design plays a pivotal role in addressing the diverse needs of a wide range of audiences, both socially and financially benefiting both designers and clients. By creating designs that are accessible to individuals with disabilities, designers and clients can tap into a broader market, reaching a larger audience and potentially increasing their customer base. This inclusivity not only aligns with ethical considerations but also makes good business sense, as it opens up opportunities for greater engagement and customer loyalty.

[designedbyjopa]

Summary No.5

Accessible design plays a pivotal role in addressing the diverse needs of a wide range of audiences, both socially and financially benefiting both designers and clients. By creating designs that are accessible to individuals with disabilities, designers and clients can tap into a broader market, reaching a larger audience and potentially increasing their customer base. This inclusivity not only aligns with ethical considerations but also makes good business sense, as it opens up opportunities for greater engagement and customer loyalty.

Effective communication between designers and clients is crucial in ensuring that accessibility is a priority in the design process. Instead of making assumptions about whether accessibility is important to the other party, it is essential to engage in open and honest conversations. Designers need to convey the importance of accessible design, not just as an option but as a fundamental aspect of responsible design practice. Clients, in turn, should recognize the long-term benefits of investing in accessible design, understanding that it not only meets ethical standards but also aligns with legal requirements and societal expectations.

To foster better awareness and education, the design industry should incorporate accessible design tools into design education programs. Additionally, designers can actively share information about accessible design through various channels such as design websites, blogs, social media, and YouTube. By promoting a culture of awareness and education, the industry can contribute to a more inclusive design landscape. Furthermore, as legislation emphasizes the rights of individuals with disabilities, initiating conversations about the need for accessible design between clients and designers becomes imperative. Such discussions can lead to a shared understanding of the importance of accessibility, ultimately improving the visual accessibility of graphic design for everyone.

Key Takeaways:

Accessible design is for everyone.

Client's and designer's need to have an open and honest discussion about accessibility, let's be honest with our work.

Accessible design is not only ethical, it's good for business.

Design that's accessible to all is the industry standard.

Everyone's perception of accessibility is different, meaning that it isn't ethical nor wise to use your own judgement to determine if your work is accessible to all.

Does every design work need to be accessible?

[designedbyjopa]

Manifesto No. 4

The integration of sustainable principles into the design process is vital for creating a more eco-friendly future. By fostering a circular economy and embracing 'Cradle to Cradle' design strategies, products can be repurposed, recycled, or reintegrated into the environment, thus minimizing waste and reducing the overall impact on the planet. Designers hold the key to innovating and implementing these practices, ensuring that the products they create are not just functional and aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible and conducive to a more sustainable planet.

For this manifesto I decided to go with something for hand drawn to reflect the message of sustainability and earth like imagery, this also meant I wanted to stray away from typefaces and use my hand writing for text.

[designedbyjopa]

Summary No.4

The life cycle of a product, from its inception to its disposal, significantly impacts the environment and society. The concept of 'Cradle to Grave' signifies the linear process where a product is created, used, and ultimately discarded. This approach results in significant waste generation, resource depletion, and environmental damage. Conversely, 'Cradle to Cradle' is a sustainable design approach that advocates for products to be created with the intention of being used perpetually or safely returned to the environment. This concept focuses on designing products with materials that can be recycled or biodegraded, minimizing waste and maximizing utility. Designers play a crucial role in this process by adopting sustainable design principles, such as using renewable materials, minimizing energy consumption during manufacturing, and ensuring the product's usability after the end-user has finished with it.

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, it is essential for designers to shift their mindset towards creating products that don't contribute to waste and environmental harm. This involves considering the entire life cycle of the product. Design decisions have significant implications, not only in terms of the product's usability and aesthetics but also in its environmental impact. Design delegations and educational initiatives aimed at both aspiring and established designers are crucial in instilling the values of sustainable and ethical design. Encouraging the allocation of a portion of work hours to contemplate the environmental impacts of design choices can be transformative. Even dedicating 10% of design time to sustainability considerations can lead to substantial improvements in reducing a product's environmental footprint and positively influencing society.

Ultimately, the integration of sustainable principles into the design process is vital for creating a more eco-friendly future. By fostering a circular economy and embracing 'Cradle to Cradle' design strategies, products can be repurposed, recycled, or reintegrated into the environment, thus minimizing waste and reducing the overall impact on the planet. Designers hold the key to innovating and implementing these practices, ensuring that the products they create are not just functional and aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible and conducive to a more sustainable planet.

"Don't just do good design, do good."

Key Takeaways:

Systemic change happens within, not outside.

Design delegations are a great way to have your voice be heard and inspire and promote ethical design and sustainability.

Be true to yourself, design what you believe in.

Commit to good design, there's no time for a "later" or a "soon," commit now.

Sometimes the proudest outcome of your work isn't the aesthetics or the recognition it receives, it's the subtle impact to the community that should be seen as well.

Being sustainable is not enough, ensuring that design is accessible to all walks of life is the ideal way to maintain ethical and sustainable for social good.

[designedbyjopa]

Manifesto No.2 | Revision

For the revision I decided to clean up the typefaces and only used two in order to make the compostion are bit more legible. I decided to add little icon to fill the negative space in the bottom right corner. Although this was the first manifesto to not get picked, it has taught me that I need to work on my skills with typography in order to create compositions that stand out.

[designedbyjopa]

Manifesto No.2

Designers play a crucial role in promoting and adhering to design ethics, particularly when it comes to sustainability. In the era of environmental consciousness, it is imperative that designers shift their focus from merely taking and producing from the environment to taking, producing, and giving back. This means that they should consider the entire lifecycle of their products, ensuring that they have a minimal environmental impact. This shift involves not only designing aesthetically pleasing products but also considering the materials used, manufacturing processes, transportation, and end-of-life disposal.

[designedbyjopa]

Summary No.3

Designers play a crucial role in promoting and adhering to design ethics, particularly when it comes to sustainability. In the era of environmental consciousness, it is imperative that designers shift their focus from merely taking and producing from the environment to taking, producing, and giving back. This means that they should consider the entire lifecycle of their products, ensuring that they have a minimal environmental impact. This shift involves not only designing aesthetically pleasing products but also considering the materials used, manufacturing processes, transportation, and end-of-life disposal.

Sustainability in design extends beyond eco-friendly materials and efficient production methods. It necessitates a holistic approach where designers need to harmonize financial and client needs with environmental considerations. They should think about the types of paper, choice of manufacturers, and the distances products need to travel for distribution. Sustainability isn't just a buzzword; it's about creating designs that benefit society and the planet.

Dieter Rams' ten principles of good design serve as a guide for designers to ensure that their work has a genuine purpose and doesn't contribute to the disposable culture that plagues our environment. By adhering to these principles, designers can ensure that their creations are more than just a temporary fix, and instead, they serve a meaningful and lasting purpose, contributing to a more sustainable future. This shift in design ethics helps us transition from a linear, take-make-waste model to one where design processes are in harmony with the environment, making sustainable design an integral part of a responsible design practice.

Key Takeaways:

Design aesthetically BUT for a purpose.

Give back to the environment, you owe it a lot.

Ironically enough, invisible design is design.

You ARE what YOU create.

Sustainability and longevity are crucial for good design.

The design process isn't always a linear path towards a goal, considering the impact of your choices and interlacing steps allows designers to work backwards and forwards to determine a more sustainable outcome.

[designedbyjopa]

Manifesto No.2 | Revision

A revision I made to the previous manifesto after a class critique session. This is more aligned with what I had initially in mind, I just didn't have the time and necessarily didn't know how to execute my ideas but after playing around in Adobe Photoshop I managed to learn some new techniques such as Gaussian Path Blur and changing tones for the Colour Halftone effect. The text definitely fits the colour palette and style of the collection of images. The slight tint of yellow adds a lot to the composition as well.

[designedbyjopa]

Manifesto No.2

Designers should always prioritize designing for people rather than capitalizing on their insecurities in the consumer-driven capitalist market. This involves a profound shift in mindset and approach. Instead of exploiting insecurities to drive sales, designers should aim to empower individuals and enrich their lives through thoughtful and user-centric design.

To achieve this, designers must genuinely understand the needs, desires, and values of their target audience. This means conducting thorough user research, empathizing with users' experiences, and designing products that align with their preferences and aspirations. The focus should be on creating solutions that enhance users' well-being, whether that's through convenience, functionality, aesthetics, or sustainability.

Furthermore, designers should prioritize ethical considerations in their design processes. They should avoid deceptive advertising, manipulative marketing, and harmful stereotypes that prey on consumer vulnerabilities. Instead, designers should foster trust and transparency in their interactions with consumers, providing them with accurate information and genuinely beneficial products. Ultimately, designers can contribute to a more human-centered and compassionate form of capitalism by prioritizing people's well-being over profit margins.

[designedbyjopa]

Summary No.2

Graphic designers play a pivotal role in today's visual landscape, impacting both sustainability and ethics in their work. On the sustainability front, designers can make eco-conscious choices by opting for sustainable materials, reducing waste, and adopting environmentally friendly design practices. This commitment to sustainability is crucial in a world where the design process itself can have significant environmental consequences.

Beyond sustainability, the ethical dimension of a designer's work is equally important. Designers often shape the messages conveyed through branding and advertisements, leading to questions about the potential harm or benefit to society. They must ask themselves whether they are genuinely promoting the merits of a product or inadvertently exploiting consumer insecurities to boost corporate profits.

This ethical dilemma calls for designers to prioritize honesty and transparency in their work. They should aim to empower consumers with accurate information rather than manipulate their emotions or perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Designers also have the opportunity to use their skills for good by creating campaigns that champion social justice, sustainability, and ethical business practices. By doing so, they can positively influence public perception and inspire both businesses and consumers to make more responsible choices.

In essence, graphic designers hold a dual responsibility: one towards the environment through sustainable design practices and the other towards society by questioning the potential harm or good their designs may bring. By embracing this ethical perspective, designers can contribute to a more equitable, sustainable, and informed society through their visual communication.

Key Takeaways:

Question the client, are they really worth designing for?

Design is the forefront of visual communication on the planet, as communicators we have the role to ensure that we practice the same messages and viewpoints we claim to say are so important for the betterment of humanity.

Designers must ask themselves whether they are genuinely promoting the merits of a product or inadvertently exploiting consumer insecurities to boost corporate profits.

Despite advocating for social good, designers that are unaware of their own ethics can contribute to climate change and inequalities plaguing society.

Educating about design ethics can go a long way.

Can advertising for commercial use and advocacy work together?

[designedbyjopa]

Manifesto No.1 | Revision

A revision of my previous manifesto after a class critique session. I removed some of the text towards the bottom of the art and implemented it in the background and applied around 20% opacity to not distract the viewer from the main subject and manifest statement. Making the earth graphic larger and having a bigger emphasis on the original headliner. Making it less crowded and legible for smaller formats and sizes were the main critiques for the previous version of the original design.

[designedbyjopa]

Manifesto No.1

In the realm of graphic design, the designer holds the power to shape perceptions, ignite change, and influence society. Yet, a fundamental question persists: Are designers primarily driven by self-interest and personal gain, or do they work towards social good and the betterment of the world?

As a graphic designer, they often find themselves at this ethical crossroads. Their creations are not merely about aesthetics; they are vehicles of communication and influence. Every design choice, from color to layout, carries the potential to impact individuals and society as a whole.

Sustainability is another critical consideration. In a world grappling with environmental challenges, designers have the ability to make eco-conscious decisions in their work, from materials to messaging. Are they contributing to a more sustainable world, or is their focus primarily on following trends?

Inclusivity is a realm where designers can make a significant difference by challenging stereotypes and promoting diversity. The question lingers: are they actively using their creative talents to foster inclusivity and equality?

Moreover, graphic designers have a unique platform to engage with pressing social issues, from activism to awareness. But the choice remains: are they leveraging their skills to bring about positive change, or is it a means to promote products and services that will further fuel capitalism?

[designedbyjopa]

Summary No.1

As a student designer, I am increasingly aware of the role and responsibility that comes with my craft. It's not just about designing for clients; it's about designing with a purpose, a message, and a mission that transcends commercial use. I firmly believe that designers possess a unique power, the power to change perceptions, challenge biases, and contribute to positive change in the world. This power is deeply rooted in our history, as humanity has consistently relied on visual communication as a fundamental tool for shaping our societies.

The environments we grow up in as children play a major role in shaping our worldviews. This influence isn't inherently wrong, but problems arise when individuals become closed-minded and resistant to new perspectives. Too often, people find comfort in the familiar and resist the experimentation of new opportunities. However, it's the act of trying something new that truly matters, as it can lead to personal growth and a broader understanding of the world.

Design, as a language of visual communication, is as ancient as human civilization itself. Its impact on our history and the way our world operates cannot be overstated. Without design, many aspects of our society, from wayfinding to cultural identity, would cease to function as we know them. However, the commercialization of graphic design has altered the perception of our industry. What was once a discipline aimed at uniting humanity through simple visual elements now finds itself in an oversaturated market driven by capitalism and profit. While commercial design work is necessary, the way designers approach their work and uphold ethical principles can redefine how design is perceived.

We, as designers, have a profound responsibility to communicate the truth for the greater social good. We should empower those who may not have the means or the voice to be heard. Our work should extend beyond the confines of profit-driven projects. We need designers who break boundaries, prioritize ethics, and understand the immense power of communicating on a massive scale. Most importantly, we need designers who can reshape perceptions and contribute to real, systematic change.

Key Takeaways:

Designers have the RESPONSIBILITY and NOT the choice to ensure their messages are ethical in their own design practices.

Design is everywhere in your life, don't ignore it.

That being said, good design is invisible, bad design makes its presence known.

How can we as designers educate about ethical design practices to those that aren't designers?

Are you really...you? Or are you the result of the beliefs and opinions of other people?

Symbols can be skewed in their meaning, whether for good or bad, how will you take responsibility and use them accordingly? Do you stick to the status quo or break boundaries and stand up for the greater good?