In an interconnected world, one must take into account the difference of cultures and languages when thinking about design. A symbol in one culture may not mean the same thing in another and one should design accordingly. However, because of the increase of sharing and interconnectivity, more things are becoming common between cultures, including structure and symbolism. I believe that with this increasing openness there are fewer limitations of design.
• Does new media present the “new” direction for design? Describe how new media does or does not present “new “ directions in design and provide an examples (links or screen grabs) to support your assertion.
New media definitely presents the “new” direction for design. As things become faster and more immediate, the absorption of content and visuals must be faster and “bite-sized” as well. Our society has become one of ADD, and new media must account for that. For example, Twitter (www.twitter.com) limits the user to only 140 characters to say what’s on his/her mind. Another example of new media conforming to our rapid modern lifestyle is the “thumbnail” website design as seen on www.notcot.org:
This common blog layout is appealing to the modern Internet user because it allows one to quickly sift through what may be uninteresting and go straight for what catches his/her eye.
• Is it time for designers to reintegrate disparate fields in order to consider new directions in design? Give examples (with links or screen grabs) of some new ways that design might be considered. These do not have to be existing ways, just ways that might yield some new and interesting results.
I believe this has already happened. Designers have had to conform to the established structure of the internet and new media foundations, whilst finding ways to push the envelope with Flash, CSS, etc. (for example, this Flash site: http://studio.barliesque.com/). Going from print to code is quite a jump, but with the development of artists’ tools such as the Adobe Suite, it has become easier. Perhaps the next step in integration would be to explore the 3D realm (which has already been undertaken… for an example, visit here: http://www.digitalmagic.com.hk/images/3d_Anaglyph/004.jpg ).
• What is the next “big thing in design”? Why do you think so and based on what criteria? Provide examples to support your assertion.
I honestly believe that the “next big thing” is the 3D TV technology (not stereoscopic, but rather 3D without glasses: http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/04/mitsubishi-shows-off-3d-tv-technology-no-glasses-needed/ ). Designing for 3D is quite different than designing in 2D as one must take into account the z-axis, or 3rd dimension. I think this technology could unlock potential in art that hasn’t been seen before, such as the feeling of walking through a painting or having something be interactive to movement and touch. Since we live in a 3D world, 3D art will become more tangible and perhaps affect the viewer in a way that art hasn’t been able to before.
No comments:
Post a Comment