School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Part 2 of Making Meaning: An Introduction to Designing Objects focuses on how design can be progressive, through exploring radical ideas, futuristic aesthetics and by embracing social responsibility. It also looks at the realities of design practice through the eyes of experts in the field. The course begins by showing designers that have done work that is new, and breaks with the conventions of the field. It continues with an examination of how objects capture a sense of “now” by referencing contemporary social, cultural and technological advances. Reflecting on design’s uncomfortable relationship to ethics, the course reveals key ethical dilemmas designers face and helps parse approaches to them. It concludes by examining the working contexts of today’s object designers, how client relationships are formed and maintained and how independent practice can provide a counterpoint to working within corporate structures.

You will learn:

• Breaking Convention

• Future-Proof Design Practices

• Responsible Design

• Market Realities

Session 1: Radical Objects: The Challenging Landscape Of Design’s Avant-Garde Session 2: The Aesthetics Of Progress: Capturing The Zeitgeist In Object Form Session 3: Towards Socially Responsible Design: Ethical Approaches To A “Dangerous” Profession Session 4: Rules Of Engagement: Exploring The Realities Of Design Practice