The Social Influence of Graphic Design

Cassandra Reese, The Social Influence of Graphic Design www.academia.edu/10168414/The_Societal_Influence_of_Graphic_Design (7.11.16)

Quotes of reference:

- Through visual communication, designers both contribute to and reflect the social and cultural identities of society.'

- 'By shifting the focus of design back towards humanity, it is beneficial for designers to explore societal influences they possess'

- 'Culturally, design influences consumerism, socially acceptable behaviours, incomes, as well as gender roles.'

- 'Businesses are aware that design changes how we "think and act" and are utilizing its power to influence consumer spending.'

- 'Consumer-led design places the needs of the business over the needs of humanity - the product above the person .' - This quote from the text is of particular interest as it identifies how a designer can be led by the client. This therefore leads to the importance of identifying personal morals and ethics within your own design practise.

This piece of writing explores and outlines the extent to which designers have an affect on other human beings and their lives. Looking more into advertising and the way it shapes culture the text has introduced me to organisations that associate designers 'to make a difference in their communities.' One of these is the AIGA 'the professional association for design' who have 'recognized the potential designers have to make a difference in their communities'. 

The text has also introduced me to a movement called 'Design for Good'. This involves designers being 'urged to match their unique abilities with design projects to ignite social change'. This demonstrates that there are organisations who are active in producing design to make a difference in society. 
- ' The vision for this movement not only indicates raising awareness of design-driven social change, but also seeks to change the way communities view designers as a whole'. 

Social Impact Studios - The text goes into further detail focusing on design for society through looking into Social Impact studios who 'focuses primarily on design as a form of social activism'. 

'While an increasing number of designers are choosing to step into the arena of creating to improve humanity, there is always work to be done' This demonstrates that although designing for social change has been something that has been continuously growing, it is becoming more of an important element to society due to the increasing importance of design.