Do Good Design

Do Good Design, How design can change the world: David B. Berman, foreword by Erik Spikerman

'We graphic designers know that the world would probably carry on pretty much the same without our services'

An example of where graphic design has saved our lives:

- 1997 Dusseldorf airport fire
- 16 people died because they couldn't find their way out. This was due to the positioning and lighting of the exit signs
- 'the architects wanted the signs 'out of the way of the beautiful architecture'

- 'we all need to be constantly aware of what we do, for whom we work, and how our work affects others'

- 'Whatever our good intentions may be, we cannot ignore the realist that is design as a business'

- 'Graphic designers create a bridge between information and understanding'

- 'Designers have an essential social responsibility because design is at the core of the world's largest challenges...and solutions'  - this suggests that designers are aware of the capabilities that their work can have on the audience 

- 'Human civilization, trending toward one global civilization, cannot afford to make even one more global mistake'

- 'don't just do good design, do good'


This text was an introduction into the way that designers think and how if you believe in your practise to be doing good for the world, then it will do so. It also recognises that design has a large influence on the way that we behave and consume which has an impact on the environment. Does this suggest that global warming can be helped through the use of designers? This is something to discuss.