the seduction of technology as a design tool
As a design instructor it has been a challenge on how to balance the use and the extent of technology in t teaching early designer the essentials of the the design process.
I have found that if technology is introduced too early in the process students become very easily "seduced" by the graphic or "pretty pictures" that can be produced quickly and without much depth from critical thinking.
I have found greater success by limiting their use of technology during the early phases of the project and make them think through the process with sketches, hand drawings, writings, etc... once a firm conceptual basis is established they are then permitted to explore it with that idea with the appropriate program.
For me this made for richer projects developed from more critical thinking and not just producing a good looking image on the computer.
As technology advances as more of an instinctive and fluid thinking tool it can be introduced earlier and earlier in the design process? But I believe it should always supplement and not substitute critical thinking in the learning process.
Alexander, I completely agree. There is too much reliance on the technology itself, and very little on the principles and fundamentals of design. In my fundamentals class I try to emphasize these principles while minimizing the reliance on the computer to do it for you.
Hi Alexander,
I too am a design instructor. I totally believe and adhere to the rule of the design process ALWAYS begins with sketches. I explain and demonstrate the design software is a tool. My students are not permitted to advance to digital production without presenting sketches in the form of thumbnails & roughs. I share examples of professional case studies where sketches are an integral part of the final design solution. I repeatedly emphasize how a strong design foundation is built on ideas & sketching and the design software is a great tool to bring their design ideas to fruition.
alexander,
this is an excellent perspective & I think can be applied to many areas. Sometimes the value of learning the foundation & the "old fashioned" way is very important to build on the foundation for future success.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
