The moral dimensions of design : the re-emergence of the design manifestos and their effect.

Abstract

This thesis examines the re-emergence of the design manifestos since the 1990s to articulate what these manifestos tell us about the morality of design. By doing so, I have hypothesised that these manifestos offer moral dimensions to design by espousing ethical, social and civic values. These moral dimensions invite specifically, graphic designers to look closely at their actions as design agents and to incorporate research, theory and practice as a unit of design process. In so doing, the graphic designer will work towards a user-centred outcome while showing sensitivity to their society, culture, politics, technologies and natural environments. This thesis also presents my project explorations drawn from my hypothesis of the moral dimensions of design to extract insight to the graphic design process and practice encouraged by the six manifestos. This highlights that design offers infinite possibilities within any given context to the community of users and determines that the incorporation of responsibility must be part of everyday design practice.

Date of Award	2006
Original language	English