technique in design: communication

Design is to create something. Technique is a means of making a design. It was the definition I had over the past day. Thus, the act of making something had always been the most prominent topic for me, and technique had simply been the means for design. So was the beginning of my Technical Studies. I devoted all my time to physically making my outputs of the last projects that were only completed graphically because of the Covid-19; I just regarded it as meaningful to materialize my graphic design. However, after all the classes, I realized that the technique could function for the design itself, not just exists as a means. Through various trials and errors in the classes, it could have an opportunity to reconsider my design values beyond the act of making something. Furthermore, this changed my attitude as a designer and led me to redefine the concept of design. Above all, by revisiting the 2. 1 projects in the Technical Studies, I changed my perspective on the concept of technique, reflecting on my design attitude. The first step was creating an underground space for installing the graphically created advertisements; I started to make the space consisting of concrete panels, participating in Wood and Casting classes. But the more I made something, the more I could face problems. In detail, concrete with large particles was not suitable for installing advertisements, and the other, which has fine particles, was inappropriate to represent the underground city. In addition, ads printed on transparent sheets were less readable due to the reflection of light. Moreover, I encountered fundamental problems such as how to supply light in this space and install advertisements on the wall. These problems allowed me to investigate the issues of the initial graphic design and take time for introspection. I realized that I was immersed in my work itself, obsessed with the idea that design is creating something with a good idea. All these problems were not something I had to create but something that already existed in the world. I did not consider the various factors surrounding my design, such as their environment, society, and technology, throwing my whole mind into the work itself. As a result, it made me realize that a technical process is not only a means to an end but also a process that must be considered in advance. Beyond medium, it allowed me to consider design in relation to the world, looking at it as a whole, not as a part. This changed perspective did not cease here but furthermore taught me another lesson through the next class. After finishing the revisit of the 2. 1 project, I started to physically make a graphically completed calendar in the 2. 2 project through Book Binding and Printing classes. But unlike before, the purpose of making the calendar was not just to materialize my design but to look at my projects wider and discover the various possibilities surrounding the design that I had not considered before. Unsurprisingly, I was able to reflect on my project and reconsider the various factors surrounding my design: method of classification, the relationship between a region and resident, and practicality. But, going further than the former revisit, I saw the necessity to concretize and communicate with these elements to develop the project further. Therefore, I asked two friends to use and experiment with the calendar for two weeks. Their different opinions clarified the elements and let me know directions on how to develop my design further. As a result, I was able to re-design the calendar, and this process allowed me to learn new materials and techniques, reflecting on and exploring my designs again. Furthermore, as if this whole process rotates, it led me again to experiment with my design in the world and communicate with various factors in it. In other words, by looking at not only what I made but also the outside of it, I was able to reflect on my design with further development and learn an essential attitude of communicating my design with the various factors the world potentially has. In summary, the process of actualizing design with various technical studies allowed me to look back on my design and its attitude from a broader perspective. It was not about focusing on the act of creating something but straining my ears to numerous factors that I did not make, other than what I did. Secondly, I learned how to practically relate my design to the factors mentioned above for further development. Rather than just looking at it widely, I experimented and communicated the factors with my design in the real world, actualizing and improving it; once again, this process made me interact with the world and explore new techniques and material. Since then, these two processes have taught me what I should prioritize in design, especially when I did various tasks in internship and personal works. Escaping from focusing on solely making something, I could have the vision to think about the diverse perspectives and elements surrounding my design and possibilities the world potentially has: such as “What if this design existed in the real world? ”, “What factors should I consider if this is actually produced? ” and “What elements of the world can I relate to my design? ”. It is no longer true but has become conventional wisdom that design is to make something, and technique is a means for it. Design is not an expression that refers only to what I have created but also to what I have not created: the various possibilities that already exist in the world. Techniques are not only a means of making but also imply how to look at the world and what are the possibilities in it; It can function as facilitating communication with them. I genuinely believe in the potential of this design.