On Graphic Design...

On the surface, graphic design is about grabbing the attention of the audience and guiding its focus to specific images or information. While some graphic design is meant to inspire thought, more often we see it used in more utilitarian ways: advertising and branding. However, if we contemplate the elements and essential aims of graphic design rather than its more mundane uses, it is easy to draw parallels to the classroom.

To be sure, consider this description of the intent of graphic design: "Designers develop images to represent the ideas their clients want to communicate," (Poggenpohl, 1993). We could easily reformulate this statement: "Teachers develop lessons to represent ideas they want to communicate (to students)." It could be said that both pursuits (commercialism and education) intend to deliver content which will inspire thought (or opinion), and move the audience to action. Perhaps that is overly reductive. Nonetheless, there are several overarching commonalities: grabbing attention, guiding focus, maintaining attention, delivery of information, inspiring thought, and (hopefully) response of the audience.



Poggenpohl, Sharon Helmer. (1993). Graphic Design: A Career Guide and Education Directory.  Retrieved from: http://www.aiga.org/guide-whatisgraphicdesign/