I considered what the overarching theme of design is while watching these conversations. I viewed what Producer Pete Docter, Skateboard Mogul Tony Hawk and Graphic Designer Jessica Hische had to say about the industry. What I found interesting in each conversation was the importance of perspective.
Docter starts off his clip by showing himself on a roof and adding dialog to his situation. As he intones a sinister sound track he talk of morbid things such as a gust of wind blowing him off. The combination of audio and visual components is crucual to the audiences expectations and how the producer can either meet them or take a completely different direction. Tony Hawk said as much regarding the evolution of the Apple brand.
Hawk states that Apple’s brand was something that was appealing thought he use of its logo. The original was of a multi-colored apple with a bite out of it, symbolizing a cheery family friendly product that was easily accessible to everyone. In our current time, Apple products have segued from the slightly cartoonish product design to sleek, sharp edged, technically advanced hardware. These days everyone speak highly of Apple as the go to technological tool for the professional world.
Jessica Hische’s conversation was about her profession as a graphic designer and typographer. She also made an interesting point in saying that typography’s ability to stay edgy and relevant a year or so from its creation. In an aside I was also struck by how she, as a graphic designer, found it important to conserve paper products and to urge colleagues in her field to conserve paper products. This was to reduce each human being’s carbon footprint.
The understanding that I had from these three individuals was that it does matter for a designer to make their own mark and to appeal to a wider audience. However, it is equally relevant to make sure that one’s own unique design can stand the test of time by either adapting to changing attitudes or to make one’s own product timeless.