Topic 1
Perfectly Imperfect: The integration of analog elements into digital designs and illustrations and their impact on authenticity and trust
The connection between digital precision and analog imperfection
Provides an opportunity to explore the creative connection between digital precision and analog imperfection, with a focus on the emotional resonance and trust such designs can create.
Much is lost through the exclusive use of digital tools in design. Computers make everything super accurate and perfect: straight lines, right angles, perfectly colored surfaces, …personal touch, authenticity, personality, character that comes from handmade does not exist. Is also deliberately added in digital: E.g. script fonts or handwritten-looking fonts, paper and cardboard textures, textures in general, folds and creases, wear and tear, grain. Why are we doing this? Do these imperfections make a design more empathic or trustworthy?
Digital precision: Analysis of digital design and its characteristics, which are geared towards precision and perfection. What are the advantages of digital precision and why is it often preferred nowadays?
Analog elements: Examine various analog elements that can be incorporated into digital designs, including textures, paper and cardboard, handwritten fonts, folds, creases and wear and tear. Why do designers deliberately add these elements? How are they used?
Authenticity and personality: The importance of authenticity and personality in visual communication. How can analog elements help to give the design a personal touch and character?
Emotional resonance: How can imperfect, handmade elements in digital designs trigger emotional resonance in the viewer? What emotions and connections can these imperfections create?
Building trust: Can the integration of analog elements build trust with viewers? Can these imperfections convey a sense of honesty and humanity?
Practical applications: Examples from various fields such as graphic design, web design, book illustration and branding where the analogization of digital designs has been successfully applied.
Future trends and developments: Speculation on the future importance of it in visual communication and how designers can continue to use it to create unique, authentic and human designs.
Topic 2
Influence and impact of social media on creativity and graphic design
Originality & authenticity, imitation, comparison, imposter syndrome, motivation
Constant comparison with other designers. Thinking you are not good enough (Imposter syndrome). Are posts from others inspiration or pressure to perform?
Stealing ideas, copying, no originality or authenticity, very trendy and fast-moving design – often reduced to just looking good (social media is often all about appearance), whether a design works well and fulfills its purpose is pushed into the background.
The influence and effects of social media on graphic design are manifold and include both positive and negative aspects.
Originality and authenticity: The importance of uniqueness and authenticity has increased through social media in graphic design. Designers strive to create visual content that is unique and reflects the personality of their project. This emphasis on uniqueness supports creative expression as designers strive to discover and develop their own artistic identity.
Constant comparison with other designers: A challenging dynamic in the world of graphic design on social media is the constant comparison with other designers. Designers can tend to be critical of themselves and often struggle with Imposter Syndrome, where they believe they are not good enough and their output is inferior to that of others. Posts from other designers can serve as inspiration but can also be pressure to perform. This can even lead to the countless pieces of work circulating on social media having a demotivating effect. It is important to find a healthy balance between these two influences.
Stealing ideas and imitation: The fast-paced nature of social media has led to a certain superficiality in design. Designers can be tempted to copy ideas and trends rather than develop original concepts. This can lead to a lack of originality and authenticity.
Trend orientation and external focus: Social media platforms tend to pay a lot of attention to visual content. Therefore, many designers focus on creating designs that are visually appealing and in line with the current trend. This can lead to the functionality and fulfillment of the actual purpose of a design taking a back seat. It is often forgotten that a design should not only look good, but also fulfill its intended purpose.
Topic 3
Illustration to simplify communication
Improving communication and accessibility through visual support
Image superiority effect: Image has a faster, more emotional and therefore more intensive effect than pure text. Easily accessible, easy to understand, self-explanatory, confidence-building, better memorization and retention. Faster understanding of information, instructions, etc.
Illustrative, easily accessible navigation support for websites etc. Confidence and identification-building for people with disabilities such as intellectual impairments, dementia, poor language skills, poor digital skills, etc.
Use for online processes, for example: Online shopping, orders, e-banking, bookings, forms, … But also things in everyday life, for example package inserts for medication, making important information recognizable at a glance, as support for text. Cooking recipes, building instructions for furniture, etc. Helpful for „normal“ people but especially for older or impaired people
Illustrations play a crucial role in simplifying communication, especially in the digital age. To deepen understanding of the many ways that illustrations can improve communication and make it more accessible. Could also provide recommendations for designers, companies and organizations on how to use illustrations effectively to increase the accessibility and comprehensibility of their messages.
The image superiority effect: How illustrations can use the image superiority effect to convey information faster and more emotionally than text alone. This can create a deeper and more intense connection between sender and receiver.
Easy-to-understand communication: Illustrations can make information easily accessible and understandable by visualizing complicated concepts. This makes content self-explanatory and easier to remember.
Accessibility and trust building: How illustrations can help people with intellectual impairments, dementia, limited language skills and limited digital skills.
Use in different areas: Illustrations can be used in different areas of life, such as online shopping, ordering, e-banking, bookings and forms. They can also be useful in everyday life, for example on package inserts for medicines or in cooking recipes.
Improved accessibility on the Internet: Importance of illustrative and accessible navigation aids on websites to ensure an accessible online experience. This is particularly important for people with disabilities.
Support for older people: Relevance of illustrations for older people who can benefit from clear, visual communication. Older people are often less familiar with digital technologies and can benefit from simple and image-based communication.
Practical examples and case studies: Research practical examples and case studies where illustrations have been successfully used to simplify communication. (Perhaps areas such as: Healthcare, education, technology and everyday life)
