In small groups define and discuss the meaning of these terms. Give consideration to how they are different, how they are the same, and how they relate to one another:
- How do these terms relate to how you think about design practice and what you do in studio? And, in theory? how do you put them into practice?
- Critique = to analyse or assess something in a detailed way. Typically related to the studio 'crit' in design education and for student closely tied to assessment and evaluation of work and design skill. Can be seen negatively and induce anxiety.
- A tool to be applied as part of the design process.
- Test and evaluate visual arguments for their viability. Discuss the ways to improve work so that it is more successful.
- Criticism = analysis and judgement of design to determine merit in the light of the context in which it exists and the intent of the piece. This evaluation is closely related to determining the social and cultural value of the work; e.g. does it improve ones experience, ability to learn, do something? Is it fit for purpose? Is it sustainable or facilitate sustainable actions?
- May draw on critique.
- Critical thinking = intentional and reflective thought process. Considers the evidence in a systematic, object, and rational way to form a logical conclusion as a result.
Discuss meanings and understanding as a large group.
Discussion: Poyner's The Time for being Against and Christopher Bell film
- In small groups, discuss key themes identified by Poyner.
- What does Poyner mean by 'the time for being against'?
- What do you think about what he is saying?
- How does this claim make you feel? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
- Should designers care about the issues he raises? Why/why not?
- Additional:
- Poyner suggests that designers don't read. But our modern interpretation of reading might today include watching or listening. Do you "read" and if so what do you read?
- How do your interests influence your understanding and sense of design?
- Are you or have you been 'critical' of these things and how?
- What is Christopher Bell "against", if he is against anything?
- What criticism, critique, or critical thinking, is he applying to the superhero world and what does he want to achieve?
- What has changed since Christopher Bell recorded this discussion?
The Time for being Against by Rick Poyner
“You can’t be against everything all the time.”
"The consensual feeling that we have somehow reached a point of rapprochement or healing or wholeness has come up. To be against was negative. You can’t change anything by being “against things”—the world is what it is—so all that negative energy is just going to boomerang back on you in the end."
Except nothing happens by inaction. Think of our narratives—conflict is between one driving force and another. In Star Wars its good (Jedi) versus evil (Sith). In Game of Thrones its the "fight for the living” above all else. In The Avengers its the united desire to save everybody instead of settling for only half—this argument forces Tony Stark to take action even at the cost of his own life.
In real examples this is Nike standing by Colin Kaepernick and to "stand for something even if it means losing everything."
Or, in a local case, it is like designer Lauren Crago turning criticism of the fast-fashion industry into a new business focussed on challenging those established ideas. Lauren founded Solomon Street on a strong set of ethics and practices which values people and the environment, with a portion of profits donated to a micro-loan support system. Micro-loans provide small interest free loans to people in poverty to help them reestablish themselves. Stock is made to order and they have a strong principle of repair and reuse when garments are worn.
“To be critical involves not taking things for granted, being skeptical, questioning what’s there, exposing limitations, taking issue, advancing a contrary view, puncturing myths. On occasion of course, the critic will take the role of supporter or advocate. He or she will seek to persuade us that some idea or thing is deserving of our full attention and merits a closer look.”
Poyner also encourages “undirected, personal reading across a range of cultural fields—literature, music, social history, film, photography, fine art and other subjects… It wanted to discover a broader audience. It was aimed outwards at any intelligence, literate, thinking individuals, from any background, with the curiosity to undertake their own personal researches and see what they could find out.”
I have to mention two quotes by Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Starship Enterprise, in which he discusses the value of philosophy, art, history and literature when he tells young ensign Wesley Crusher to read philosophy and that life is more than just understanding mechanics and piloting ships. Picard states, "open your mind to the past... to history, art, philosophy and then [points to stars] this will mean something" or when telling a man caught out of time that "the challenge [of the 24th century] is to improve yourself. To enrich yourself. Enjoy it."
This is the basis of a concept we discuss in GRAP 2030 Design Culture and Society 2 next year. The Greek concept of Eudaemonia which roughly equates to happiness or welfare—that humans should seek to do good, to be good. It is concerned with "human flourishing or prosperity" or "blessedness", to establish a concept of personal virtue and ethics, rather than external values, in order to become happy and rewarded.
In regards to a list of designers and critiques Poyner feels are contributing to educating the public about design, he states:
“They refuse to accept the complacent, lazy, foolish and solipsistic notion that ‘the time for being against is over’… there’s too much at stake.”He suggests reading the following:
- Denis Dutton — Arts & Letters Daily
- Jessica Helmand — Boston Globe
- Steven Johnson — The Feed
- First Things First
- Naomi Klein — No Logo
- Thomas Frank — One Market Under God
- George Monbiot — Captive State: The Corporate Takeover of Britain
Female Superhero Characters
- Wonder Woman
- Black Widow
- Captain Marvel
- Gamora
- Harley Quinn
- Nakia, Ayo and Okoye from Black Panther
Additional notes from Duanne and Ruby:
‘Critical design uses speculative design proposals to challenge narrow assumptions, preconceptions, and givens about the role products play in everyday life. It is more an attitude than anything else, a position rather than a method. Its opposite is affirmative design: design that reinforces the status quo.’– Duanne and Ruby.
Critique as professional practice:
1. Critique as a tool in the design process
• evaluate and contextualise work social
2. Responding to critique as a professional (which includes classroom settings)
Schools theory of reflection-in-action
1. ‘Spontaneous’ self critique
• automatise skills
• ‘reading the situation’ and adjusting accordingly
This is why in design studio, tutors will often ask you additional questions in order to coax you to consider elements of the design you may not have considered otherwise. It is to encourage you to think better about how the work you’re producing will be understood by the audience.
2. Systematic and considered self / peer critique
• learning new skills and problem solving
• directed and thoughtful
• supported by evidence
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