The research journey
Lecture notes
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Global culture & ethical design
Lecture notes & political design
"The combustion engine which is destroying our planet’s atmosphere and rapidly making it inhospitable is working exactly as we designed it. Guns, which lead to so much death, work exactly as they’re designed to work. And every time we “improve” their design, they get better at killing. Facebook’s privacy settings, which have outed gay teens to their conservative parents, are working exactly as designed. Their “real names” initiative, which makes it easier for stalkers to re-find their victims, is working exactly as designed. Twitter’s toxicity and lack of civil discourse is working exactly as it’s designed to work.
The world is working exactly as designed. And it’s not working very well. Which means we need to do a better job of designing it. Design is a craft with an amazing amount of power. The power to choose. The power to influence. As designers, we need to see ourselves as gatekeepers of what we are bringing into the world, and what we choose not to bring into the world. Design is a craft with responsibility. The responsibility to help create a better world for all." - Mike Monteiro
The world is working exactly as designed. And it’s not working very well. Which means we need to do a better job of designing it. Design is a craft with an amazing amount of power. The power to choose. The power to influence. As designers, we need to see ourselves as gatekeepers of what we are bringing into the world, and what we choose not to bring into the world. Design is a craft with responsibility. The responsibility to help create a better world for all." - Mike Monteiro
Kemba Earle
Barbara Kruger
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Gender, identity & representation
Lecture notes & analysis of visual pleasure in narrative cinema
In Laura Mulvey's essay 'visual pleasure and narrative cinema', she introduces the concept of the male gaze, stating that traditional cinema portrays women as objects meant to satisfy male spectators. This concept also encompasses the way women are positioned within the narrative, and how viewers interact with them. Mulvey writes about how women are represented as incomplete without a male counterpart, and that their existence is defined by the way they relate to men.
She utilises psychoanalytic theory to critique how film narratives use patriarchal ideas, and how male viewers often identify with male protagonists, projecting their own ideals onto the actors. Mulvey argues that female bodies are fetishised, and uses the term scopophilia - a freudian term referring to the pleasure derived from visually observing something.
The essay speaks about alternative cinema and how it has a potential to disrupt this patriarchal narrative, creating female characters with autonomy and complexity. Mulvey emphasises the need for awareness of this topic, and advocates for cinema that portrays women without objectification. Although the essay talks mainly about film, it is also a commentary about society's gender dynamics as a whole, and challenges readers to reflect on the correlation between visual representation through cinema and society's perception of gender roles. Although subject to much criticism, some by Mulvey at a later date, visual pleasure and narrative cinema has helped to shape film and gender studies in various ways.
She utilises psychoanalytic theory to critique how film narratives use patriarchal ideas, and how male viewers often identify with male protagonists, projecting their own ideals onto the actors. Mulvey argues that female bodies are fetishised, and uses the term scopophilia - a freudian term referring to the pleasure derived from visually observing something.
The essay speaks about alternative cinema and how it has a potential to disrupt this patriarchal narrative, creating female characters with autonomy and complexity. Mulvey emphasises the need for awareness of this topic, and advocates for cinema that portrays women without objectification. Although the essay talks mainly about film, it is also a commentary about society's gender dynamics as a whole, and challenges readers to reflect on the correlation between visual representation through cinema and society's perception of gender roles. Although subject to much criticism, some by Mulvey at a later date, visual pleasure and narrative cinema has helped to shape film and gender studies in various ways.
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Subculture & style
Lecture notes & subculture definition
A subculture is a smaller group within a larger society that is compromised of people with shared values, beliefs, behaviours, and practices that differentiate from mainstream culture. These shared elements can range from fashion and music preferences to lifestyle choices, helping to create a sense of belonging and identity . Subcultures often emerge as a form of resistance to mainstream culture, providing a space for individuals to express themselves and connect with others who share similar perspectives (Brake, 1985) .
Source: Brake, Michael (1985) Comparative youth culture.
http://ndl.ethernet.edu.et/bitstream/123456789/54741/1/36.Michael%20Brake.pdf
Source: Brake, Michael (1985) Comparative youth culture.
http://ndl.ethernet.edu.et/bitstream/123456789/54741/1/36.Michael%20Brake.pdf
Cultural capital: Bohemian
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The graphic code of comics
Lecture notes & comic analysis
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This comic strip is created by graphic artist Jack Kirby. He is well known for being a major innovator in his field, and illustrated many well known comics, such as the hulk, captain america, the avengers, and iron man. Between frame 1 & 2, the transition type is action to action, as the same character is pictured, but the action of the character progresses.
Between frames 2 & 3, the transition type is action to action as the action of the train and character progresses, but the viewpoint and character stay the same. Between frames 3 & 4, the transition type is scene to scene, as the scene and character both change. Between frames 4 & 5, the transition type is scene to scene, it shows a significant movement of time and of character. Between frames 5 & 6, the transition type is subject to subject as two different viewpoints of the same scene are pictured. Between frames 6 & 7, the transition type is subject to subject, as there is significant movement between characters. Between frames 7 & 8, the transition type is action to action, the characters are taking action. Between frames 8 & 9, the transition type is moment to moment, as the time difference is only a few seconds later. |
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decoding advertising
Lecture notes & advertising analysis
I chose this jaguar advert as I felt that there were a number of things to analyse.
The pale background of the advert helps to draw attention to the car, due to the contrast of colours.
The colour of the car is a carefully considered choice, as the colour red is associated firstly with passion/lust, which can help the viewer to form an emotional connection to the car. Secondly, red is usually associated with danger and rebellion, and the human body often responds to fear with excitement, meaning people will feel excited about this car and perceive it as fast straight away. This corresponds with the brand name also, as jaguars are fast, dangerous animals.
The text in the top left corner reads 'designed to steal attention', and catches the eye first due to the positioning, however immediately afterwards the natural way the eye falls is to the car.
The paragraph describing the car utilises animalistic language as a way to reinforce all of the signs that are created by the image, and also to create the impression that the car is more than an inanimate object.
The pale background of the advert helps to draw attention to the car, due to the contrast of colours.
The colour of the car is a carefully considered choice, as the colour red is associated firstly with passion/lust, which can help the viewer to form an emotional connection to the car. Secondly, red is usually associated with danger and rebellion, and the human body often responds to fear with excitement, meaning people will feel excited about this car and perceive it as fast straight away. This corresponds with the brand name also, as jaguars are fast, dangerous animals.
The text in the top left corner reads 'designed to steal attention', and catches the eye first due to the positioning, however immediately afterwards the natural way the eye falls is to the car.
The paragraph describing the car utilises animalistic language as a way to reinforce all of the signs that are created by the image, and also to create the impression that the car is more than an inanimate object.
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reading words & images
Lecture notes & subversion of 'I shop, therefore I am.'
Original
My own versions
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The image of passion
Lecture notes & analysis of the world of wrestling
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In Mythologies, world of wrestling, Roland Barthes explores the idea that wrestling is less of a sport, and more of a performance. He states that wrestling is a theatrical event, designed to make the spectators experience a wide range of emotions. He describes two types of wrestling, the 'false wrestling', where he states that the participants go to great measures to make a show of a fair fight, and 'true wrestling', which is often called amateur wrestling.
Roland has the opinion that the public are aware that the wrestling matches they watch could be rigged, but it does not matter to them as they disregard what they know, and focus on what they see instead. He mentions that boxing is predictable, wrestling is not, and that every sign and signal is over-exaggerated, so that there can be no confusion about what is happening, and that this helps spectators to engage on a more symbolic level. These signs help to communicate broader themes of conflict and justice. He mentions that there is always a villain in wrestling, someone who looks unappealing, and whose actions follow suit, and that this serves to produce a moral narrative for the audience. Roland's view is that wrestling is all about the perception of justice, a pantomime which uses over exaggerated actions to create an emotional response, and plays out with suffering, defeat, hopefully ending in justice. Justice is understandable with a villain, without one it would be less so. The emotions of the crowd are controlled by actions happening that seem to suggest injustice, or that justice is served. The 'villain' is unpredictable, and this affects the crowd's emotions. He notes that a wrestler knows how to direct the fight, and conform to what the public expect of him. In conclusion, Roland Barthes' analysis of wrestling explains how signs can be created, and how these signs create a parallel to the complexities of society. The wrestling ring is a symbol of larger societal issues, allowing the audience to resonate. Personally, I think Roland Barthes is correct in that wrestling is not a sport. It is simply classed as one due to there being a crowd and two 'teams.'
Roland has the opinion that the public are aware that the wrestling matches they watch could be rigged, but it does not matter to them as they disregard what they know, and focus on what they see instead. He mentions that boxing is predictable, wrestling is not, and that every sign and signal is over-exaggerated, so that there can be no confusion about what is happening, and that this helps spectators to engage on a more symbolic level. These signs help to communicate broader themes of conflict and justice. He mentions that there is always a villain in wrestling, someone who looks unappealing, and whose actions follow suit, and that this serves to produce a moral narrative for the audience. Roland's view is that wrestling is all about the perception of justice, a pantomime which uses over exaggerated actions to create an emotional response, and plays out with suffering, defeat, hopefully ending in justice. Justice is understandable with a villain, without one it would be less so. The emotions of the crowd are controlled by actions happening that seem to suggest injustice, or that justice is served. The 'villain' is unpredictable, and this affects the crowd's emotions. He notes that a wrestler knows how to direct the fight, and conform to what the public expect of him. In conclusion, Roland Barthes' analysis of wrestling explains how signs can be created, and how these signs create a parallel to the complexities of society. The wrestling ring is a symbol of larger societal issues, allowing the audience to resonate. Personally, I think Roland Barthes is correct in that wrestling is not a sport. It is simply classed as one due to there being a crowd and two 'teams.'
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Dressed to kill
Lecture notes & clothing analysis
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The item of clothing I have chosen to analyse for this assignment is one of my favourite pieces from my wardrobe.
I bought this item second hand, at a kilo sale, as buying pre - loved clothes is better for the environment, and buying vintage means that the wearer can wear something original, rather than modern clothing, which is mostly mass produced.
I feel the quality of this skirt far outweighs anything modern that I have in my wardrobe. It is thick, warm and robust.
The skirt is a one of a kind vintage paisley skirt, the cut and the pattern look to be from the late 1960's to the early 1970's.
I think the likelihood is the skirt is closer to the 70's as it's slightly flowier fabric than typical 60's silhouettes.
How crazy that my skirt is over fifty years old!
For me personally, this skirt holds a lot of cultural significance, the pattern represents individuality and freedom - which was very much the theme of this time period. Other themes were rebellion against societal norms, folk music revival, political activism, and psychedelic art and music. The skirt is certainly psychedelic, if I stare at it too long my eyes start to feel funny! The paisley pattern is associated with rebirth & new beginnings. The colours of the skirt are very earthy, and colours that occur in nature, these colours were commonly used during this era as it was the era of the 'hippie movement'. Hippies lived alternate lifestyles and were very spiritual - I think part of the reason I love this skirt so much is I am very interested in spirituality. I also tend to gravitate towards earthy colours, as they feel calming to me.
This skirt is functional as well as visually appealing, due to it's hard wearing fabric, its length (can be worn during any season) and the muted colour palette.
I bought this item second hand, at a kilo sale, as buying pre - loved clothes is better for the environment, and buying vintage means that the wearer can wear something original, rather than modern clothing, which is mostly mass produced.
I feel the quality of this skirt far outweighs anything modern that I have in my wardrobe. It is thick, warm and robust.
The skirt is a one of a kind vintage paisley skirt, the cut and the pattern look to be from the late 1960's to the early 1970's.
I think the likelihood is the skirt is closer to the 70's as it's slightly flowier fabric than typical 60's silhouettes.
How crazy that my skirt is over fifty years old!
For me personally, this skirt holds a lot of cultural significance, the pattern represents individuality and freedom - which was very much the theme of this time period. Other themes were rebellion against societal norms, folk music revival, political activism, and psychedelic art and music. The skirt is certainly psychedelic, if I stare at it too long my eyes start to feel funny! The paisley pattern is associated with rebirth & new beginnings. The colours of the skirt are very earthy, and colours that occur in nature, these colours were commonly used during this era as it was the era of the 'hippie movement'. Hippies lived alternate lifestyles and were very spiritual - I think part of the reason I love this skirt so much is I am very interested in spirituality. I also tend to gravitate towards earthy colours, as they feel calming to me.
This skirt is functional as well as visually appealing, due to it's hard wearing fabric, its length (can be worn during any season) and the muted colour palette.