Reading Reflection 2

Design by Haskett – Chapter 7 & 8

Identities and systems, as described by Haskett, have broad and inclusive definitions that affect many aspects of our environment. The creation of an identity that conveys an image is an essential part of our society. While Haskett focuses on the creation of corporate identities to explain the role of design and designers in the personalization and identification of large corporate entities, it is easy to see that a corporate image is a manifestation of personal belief and identity on a larger scale. Corporations, as successful offspring of small businesses, demand identities that convey messages and characteristics implied by their inventors and creators. Therefore, design allows for the conveyance of the characters and beliefs imagined by the owners and creators to end users. In doing so, design is identified as a delivery instrument meant to perfect the communication of personal expressions which further establishes the role of design and designer in society as a necessity.

The role of design in the creation of systems is an integrated one where the creation and formation of a system would be impossible without a designer and innovator to plan and orchestrate the components of the system. The evolution of industrial systems (from mass-production to mass-customization)is a testament to the integral role of design in the development and survival of systems. Haskett’s examination of various systems and their evolution and adaptation through time and cultural boundaries clearly identifies the role of design in systems that direct our everyday lives.

Cradle to Cradle by McDonough & Braungart – Introduction

The introduction to cradle to cradle introduces a new perspective on environmental design and our role as the designers of a sustainable future. The writers’ critique of the 20^th century environmentalist perceptions of our responsibility to our living environment is refreshing and unique. McDonough and Braungart introduce design as an integral part to the survival of our environment; in order to protect our environment and future generations, environmental design must become a basis for design rather than an afterthought in design. They condemn the idea of minimizing consumption to protect the environment and promote the idea of smart production and consumption.