Abstract
When participants in a recent graphic design study on knowledge externalization were instructed to document their work processes in a design task, only one participant submitted documentation in writing, whereas the other participants submitted only images. This prompted reflections on how graphic designers perceive their processes. “We are, after all, visual thinkers,” said one participant, and the study outcomes seem to affirm that statement. Furthermore, this rhymes with a common view on design knowledge that it is largely visual and ineffable, and therefore different from knowledge that can be expressed. If this is so, what does that mean for knowledge dissemination among graphic designers and to those outside it? And what is “visual thinking”? This paper presents these topics and shows that methods such as participatory design studies and self-interviews can facilitate knowledge externalization, helping to make the unexpressed, “visual” knowledge shareable. It further discusses the importance of such knowledge externalization and presents a future study aimed at deepening our understanding of how knowledge is expressed and interpreted in real-life design projects. This text is intended as an introduction to the topic of visual thinking within the profession of graphic design and a contribution to the discussion of visual thinking in design education.
Presenters
Halldór Björn HalldórssonAssociate Senior Lecturer, School of Innovation, Design and Engineering, Mälardalens University, Sweden
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Graphic Design Knowledge, Visual Thinking, Experiential Knowledge, Design Knowledge Externalisation
