Manifesto #1
(Anti)hero problem solving
1. We live in misery
Today we live in a world where we are not only dealing with counteracting an ongoing climate crisis but also inequality where children don’t get enough food and where minorities are being oppressed. We are living on a modicum where we already have used up all our natural resources but at the same time overconsuming and breaking records each year when it comes to sales. We throw away over one million tons of food each year in Sweden alone and buy new clothes that we don’t really need. We just can’t get enough of consumption.
2. Villain becoming the problem solver
Today, we as graphic designers are in the centre of contributing to all the world’s misery. We as graphic designers are a part of the problem, but we are also a part of the solution. Just as we are encouraging to people’s buying frenzy we also (at least most of us) promote a change for the better for both our planet and the people around us. We are promoting problem solving. In this balance, between villain and hero, is where I, as a graphic designer and human being want to stand. To always endeavour to being a hero but also working against becoming the villain. Always aiming for the solutions that solves, if only a little, part of the problem.
3. To be aware of the impact
For design should always aim to simplifying everyday life, contributing to good and to be accessible for everyone. Design, as Dieter Rams (n.d) advocates, should always fit a purpose. Is it convenient? Are there any similar solutions out there? Is it really necessary?
Design should also be a safe space for graphic designers and other creators to have fun with their creativity but also to be aware of its impact. To knowing how to achieve these goals, to take count for our surroundings and be aware of the consequences of our actions. To do the research required and weighing the good outcomes with the bad and always aiming to make the right decision. To always seeing the fun in creating but be aware of the responsibility we hold. If the shoe doesn’t fit, dare to say no.
4. The (whole) world is not on our shoulders
Keep it cool! Even though we as graphic designers hold a big responsibility, we should not feel like everyone is relying on us. We alone can’t fix the world. It’s important to know that we should always aim to make the world a better place but if we don’t succeed, that’s totally fine. There will be bumps on the road and sometimes we need to stop for gas, but we will get there. If we have our goal in mind.