vernacular visual cultures. Instances, such as the sleeve of Kraftwerk's "The Man-Machine" drawing inspiration from Russian constructivism or Peter Saville's ingenious cloning of a futurist poster for New Order's album cover, highlight a cyclical return to the roots of design. This section probes into the historical shifts, questioning the consequences of this embrace of the past on the contemporary role and identity of graphic design.
Chapter 8: Technological Forces Reshaping Design
As graphic design navigates the currents of change, an intellectualization of the discipline emerges. This chapter delves into the evolving role of graphic designers, examining the intersection of writing, research, and design practice. The exploration begins with historical context, acknowledging the foundational texts by designers like Ken Garland and Albe Steiner, and evolves to scrutinize a modern shift towards research-based projects.
Diluted Design and Micromanagement
Graphic design's integration into popular culture is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it becomes a common practice accessible to all, exemplified by the graphic designer multitasking between an Excel spreadsheet and designing a logo. On the other hand, this ubiquity dilutes the cultural and professional value of graphic design. This section delves into the repercussions of this dilution, as graphic design morphs into micromanagement, and designers find themselves ensnared in a Kafkaesque struggle for relevance.