Design as Conversation

As I've mentioned before, collaboration is key to design. There is hardly any design that hasn't been influenced or inspired by something else. Designers draw inspiration from a multitude of sources, including from each other. There is an eternal exchange of ideas that goes in the art and design world, a back and forth as designers try to improve on each others' work. However, design discussion is taking place in other places besides the classrooms and studios of designers: take a look at Gap's new logo controversy. 

Gap created the new logo (on the left) in an attempt to update Gap for the new generation. However, there was so much negative reaction to the attempted change that Gap agreed to return to the old logo. The conversation was not only between members of the public, but between the public and the owners of Gap. Everyone had an opinion on the new logo and wanted to share it via the web; in turn, the owners of Gap listened to their buyers. The mass uproar also demonstrates how much investment people make in brands: one woman said she would no longer shop at Gap if the logo changed. In my opinion, the discussion this change created was good for Gap's business; no matter whether people liked or disliked the logo, the brand was getting noticed.

The conversation of fashion design is ever-changing as well: take Lady Gaga's meat dress that has accumulated so much attention. 

Lady Gaga purposely creates looks that garner attention, she wants people to be shocked and discuss the meaning behind her ensembles. The meat dress in particular was a comment on the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy in the military. She says, "If we don't stand up for what we believe in, we don't fight for our rights, pretty soon we're gonna have as much rights as the meat on our bones." She also added that she's "not a piece of meat". She creates her image in a way that invites controversy, that invites a discussion of what statements she makes with her outfits. In doing so, she creates awareness of social issues; rather than only promoting her own fame, she makes an effort to reach out and help her supporters. Her conversations are with the media, challenging our social norms.