Cultural Literacy in Design Education
By megan dealNovember 27th, 2007
As many of you know, Ellen Lupton visited the area earlier this semester, holding a lecture in Ann Arbor and a Family Day event at MOCAD. During her visit she was kind enough to meet a handful of CCS students for dinner and agreed to assist as she could with the development of this blog. As I began exploring the topic of “cultural literacy” in design education, I thought that Ms. Lupton would be a prime candidate to contribute. She thoughtfully took some time out of her day to answer a few of my questions. Below is our conversation:
Megan: I have drawn my own conclusion, based upon both observation reading other sources, that many design students today focus their attention solely towards graphic design.They’re looking at books, blogs, and mags, all of which are exploding with various forms of the most recent visual communication. Though I recognize the importance of staying “current” with so-called design “trends,” I am concerned that young designers are limiting themselves by focusing on such a small part of our culture. Rarely do I see a design student reading a science journal, an architectural annual, or for God’s sake, even a newspaper, and more often then not, liberal arts classes are treated as the “fillers” between are “more important” studio courses.
I am wondering if this is something you’ve noticed among your own students or perhaps even other students around the globe. Are students today too focused on only design, and if so, how is this effecting the work being produced within design institutions? If you do indeed see this as an issue, how are design educators responding, and how might
this issue effect the future of the profession?
Ellen: I think it depends on the student. Some students are very well-informed and stay abreast of world events as well as design world events. Others don’t know nothin about nothin. I haven’t done any formal surveys on this matter, but I’d venture to generalize that those students who are eager to read up on design are also curious about the larger world. But maybe not science….
M: Well yes…I’ve always favored math over science myself. The issue of cultural literacy among design students has been frequently addressed, and certainly is an issue under constant scrutiny. At the 2003 AIGA
National Design Conference in Vancouver, William Drenttel and Jessica Helfand suggest that among students, “intellectual diversity,” is often discouraged in favor of “formal skill development” and the cultivation of “conceptual ability.” They argue that for design to matter, “designers need to think and know more about things beside design.”
You suggest that some students embrace learning with open arms while others simply don’t. Is it safe to presume that this has been, and always will be, the norm in any educational program? It would seem then that a design educator can only foster a certain amount of literacy in the classroom, and that at some point students must take
responsibility for their own cultural advancement. Perhaps then the “call for literacy” should be directed towards students and not their educators, if young designers are to ever acquire the vast body of knowledge that many suggest we need to advance the profession???
E: Perhaps there’s a difference (generally) between students who go to an art school and students who choose a university setting. The art school setting by it’s nature is more focused exclusively on art and design. I’ve talked to students in universities who really value the broader education they are receiving.
Myself, I enjoy teaching in an art school. The intensive environment lets
students develop much farther as designers and artists within the four-year
span of college. But their general education is weaker.
Talks to some kids at U of M?
I myself am not one to pick up a newspaper. but i am well aware of the world around me and the culture/community that we live in. could it be it is not even about reading book but just being aware or influenced by our surroundings. ie listening to someone talk about something other then design, or simply observing the ground on which we walk on. being observant and aware these things are key to design and the everyday.
Yes, good point. I think being able to pick up things in the culture around us is key in order to produce influential and/or meaningful design. I often find that my liberal arts courses (or at least the good ones) are more inspiring, just by the discussion they bring forth. It’s that “break” from design discussion that can often lead to new ideas.
agreed indeed.
While I myself read mostly books on design, that’s because design is what interests me and consumes most of my time. However, at school the focus on problem solving and process lends itself to researching things related specifically to a project. Within the past two weeks, I’ve been doing an extensive amount of reading for this Type4 project and its been really nice to notice relationships between design and history and music etc.