Consider how graphic design has become more than a sophisticated method of communication and branding over approximately the past 40 years (1920–2021 but not earlier). How do cultural, social, economic and/or historic factors influence visual communication design to move away from a client- and product-driven focus to one that calls attention to social issues? How does the use of image, typography, scale and other elements of design impact the message? Have there been any substantial results: subsequent activist trends; documented effects on social changes; grass-roots campaigns causing changes in the business aspects of design? You will be writing an expository essay.* While you will not be expressing your opinion in this research paper, you will provide an analysis and you can make conclusions based on the information you find. Conclusions mean evidence-based outcomes or potential outcomes that may have been addressed in articles found in your research.
Keep in mind that the topic must pertain to design, aspects of design (such as the use of imagery and type) and sustained attempts to create public awareness or significant change in communities or beyond. (This should go well beyond a single, local billboard, for example.) You can, however, combine similar efforts under one topic. One such theme might be citizen groups directed by designers to create murals that have occurred in different communities. (Note: Do not use this topic!)
Some books to get you started:
Design for Good
Cradle to Cradle
Radical Matter: Rethinking Materials for a Sustainable Future
Graphic Agitation
Graphic Agitation 2: Social and Political Graphics in the Digital Age
A Whole New Mind
Designs for the Pluriverse: Radical Interdependence, Autonomy, and the Making of Worlds
Visions Of Peace And Justice: San Francisco Bay Area: 1974-2007. Over 30 Years Of Political Posters From The Archives of Inkworks Press
All sources must be referenced (cited) and included in a bibliography. Use Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS).
Details follow. See the course schedule for deadlines.
*What is an expository essay? Here is a brief explanation sourced from https://bid4papers.com/blog/expository-essay/. The language is informal on this site so don’t let it influence you as you write your essay!
Sample Solution
