TED Talks: Jason Clay

Although this, in essence, isn't discussing design directly, it discusses the changing attitudes of big brands that directly effect the design world. By looking at how much influence and trade goes through such a minimal amount of big companies it's easy to see how change is possible, but we all need to work together. The only way this can stay and make a change for the good is if everybody cares about it. As professionals that work hand in hand with brands, both big and small, isn't is partly our responsibility to speak up? Brands changing means we have to change too.

Jason Clay: how big brands can help save biodiversity. Aug 2010, online video, accessed 13 September 2011

Who needs ethics?

Summary: We don't need to preach about our views but if we do care, what are we doing about it? Everyone has their different set of morals, it's easy to think everyone has the same views as you and that your views are right, but that's wrong. Should all companies have set rules about who they will and won't work for? Do we all need to think about what we're designing more, are we ethically happy with what we're doing?

Can designers save the world? (and should they try?)

Summary: The main thing that I took from this article was the part about how designers don't have anything (except the fact that we're all in the same profession) in common. We don't all have the same views, not all designers think about ethics and who are we to tell them what they can and cannot do. The same also applies with people in general, who are we to tell them how to live their lives? These are definitely things to think about.

There was also a lot mentioned in this about the procrastination of people to take action. Everyones complaining, no ones acting and although the argument on global warming isn't settled, if it is an issue, what can/are we going to do about it? Is it even our place to make a change or does that responsibility lie with politicians?

Design & Sustainability pt.3

Summary: We will need to get back to a point where we associate the objects we desire with the process they've taken to get to us. We as designers are in the best position to highlight ecoliteracy to consumers. We need to work with scientists, ecologists, get out of our comfort zones and figure our an effective way to make the invisible visible. It's all about education, knowledge and understanding.

Gerber. A, 2009, Design & Sustainability pt.3, Creative Review [journal] 29 (1) Available through Business source premier. [accessed 1 September 2011]

Design & Sustainability pt.2

Summary: In order to really change our views on environmental issues in graphics we need to change the way we look at design. Rather than churning out design on a computer and thinking nothing else of them we need to get actively involved in the whole process and think about a products life from start to end.

Gerber. A, 2008, Design & Sustainability pt.II, Creative Review [journal], 28 (11). Available through Business source premier [Accessed 1 September 2011]

Design + Sustainability

As well as explaining the current affairs of "green design" at the time (2008) this article also really made me look at the way we view education in Graphic Design. To really make a difference we need to be educated on green issues as soon as possible rather then left to figure it all out on your own. This is a big thing I'd really like to look into in more detail.

Gerber. A, 2008, Design & Sustainability, Creative Review [journal] 28 (10), p21-22. Available through Business source premier [accessed 1 September 2011]