“The difference between poetry and practical
messages is that the latter are successful only
when we correctly infer the intention.”
- Michael Rock
For this lecture, we took about exploring the definitions of Message and Meaning, and the structure of communication between client and designer, specifically when applied to graphic design. It's about how to communicate or imply an idea - and how it will be interpreted by those who receive it and the target audience.
Message: A short communication transmitted by words, signal or by other meaning, usually from one person or station to another.
Meaning: What the source or sender expresses, communicates or conveys.
The focus was to apply a meaning to a message that is sent to an target audience. Namely, these needed to be tested and tried. As graphic designers we have to convey a certain message through our graphic styles, as these are far more visual interpretations of a message than writing everything down.
Send (Encode): Translating information into a message in form of symbols
This is why advertising companies in gathering audience data online; sending data to their audience is far easier if they know exactly what to encode to them, which thus profits them in terms of ROI. Applying this back to our current proposal, if we know more about the audience it is more rewarding and easier to receive positive feedback on our work, creating a successful project.
The sender should ask different questions:
- Is immediate feedback needed?
- Is message urgent?
- Is documentation required?
- Is the message being communicated to someone inside or outside?
The lecture was helpful for us, as when applying it to us, designers, we have to construct a message of communication through design to the audience/client. The way of communication is important to us as we need it to quickly present ideas that focus on being able to put ideas across efficiently.
Anthony Burrill
Touchpoint: Where the customer and the business/designer exchange information
For the remainder of the lecture, we looked at Marshall McLuhan, a figure in media studies and technology. His book was "The Medium is the Massage", originally read "message" but kept because of it's meaning, which shows visual examples of graphic design throughout. McLuhan is analytical about everything sent to him, picking out the smaller details of design and wanting meaning from everything.
For the remainder of the lecture, we looked at Marshall McLuhan, a figure in media studies and technology. His book was "The Medium is the Massage", originally read "message" but kept because of it's meaning, which shows visual examples of graphic design throughout. McLuhan is analytical about everything sent to him, picking out the smaller details of design and wanting meaning from everything.
To summarize, the developing world of graphic design and change is clearly a huge influence on how I create my work, trends change and to interact with clients and the audience of the work I'm currently producing I need to focus on the meaning behind everything I am doing, for example, taking my sketchbook research and developing the same style in my workbook. My focus is on making everything purposeful, otherwise it would not be needed; hence my simple designs.
Without feedback, the sender cannot confirm that
the receiver has interpreted the message correctly.
