Design is Power: The Dark Side

Design is about creating quality and beautiful artefacts through an industrialised system, while craftsmanship focuses on replicability and scalability. It is driven by economic, political, and social interests, with a balance between taste and trends.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 290 pages
\n Publication date: 28 October 2020
\n Publisher: Mimesis International
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In today's world, we have grown accustomed to perceiving design primarily in terms of the aesthetic appeal and quality of the tangible or intangible artifacts that emerge from an industrialized system. When examining objects, graphic representations, interfaces, or services, the fundamental distinction between craftsmanship and design revolves around the replicability and scalability of the proposed solution in relation to an existing market and its hierarchical dynamics. This implies an underlying order that, at first glance, may appear to be guided by the so-called "taste," or a series of trends that reflect the preferences of the broader public. However, upon closer inspection, all aspects of design production involve a meticulously balanced interplay driven by economic, political, and social interests.

Craftsmanship, in contrast, is characterized by the uniqueness and individuality of the creations. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans who bring their own expertise and artistic vision to the table. The emphasis is on the handiwork, the attention to detail, and the personal touch that sets each piece apart. Craftsmanship often involves traditional techniques and materials, and the artisans take pride in their work, striving to preserve and pass on these skills to future generations.

On the other hand, design is a more systematic and collaborative process. It involves a team of professionals who work together to develop solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Design is driven by market research, consumer trends, and technological advancements, and the goal is to create products or services that meet the needs and desires of the target audience.

One of the key differences between craftsmanship and design is the level of scalability and replicability of the proposed solution. Craftsmanship is often limited by the availability of skilled artisans and the time and resources required to create each piece. It is difficult to mass produce or replicate handcrafted items, as they require a high level of skill and attention to detail. In contrast, design is more scalable and can be mass produced or replicated with relative ease. This is because design is based on standardized processes and techniques, and can be automated or outsourced to different parts of the world.

Another difference between craftsmanship and design is the level of innovation and creativity involved. Craftsmanship is often rooted in tradition and heritage, and the artisans rely on their expertise and experience to create unique and innovative pieces. In contrast, design is driven by a constant search for new ideas and solutions. Designers are constantly experimenting with new materials, technologies, and design principles to create products or services that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Despite these differences, craftsmanship and design are not mutually exclusive. Many artisans and designers collaborate to create products that combine the best of both worlds. For example, some designers may incorporate handcrafted elements into their designs, or artisans may use digital tools and techniques to enhance their work.

In conclusion, craftsmanship and design are two distinct approaches to creating objects, graphic representations, interfaces, or services. Craftsmanship is characterized by the uniqueness and individuality of the creations, while design is more systematic and collaborative. The main difference between the two lies in the replicability and scalability of the proposed solution, as well as the level of innovation and creativity involved. While craftsmanship is often limited by the availability of skilled artisans and the time and resources required to create each piece, design is more scalable and can be mass produced or replicated with relative ease. Both craftsmanship and design have their own unique value and place in the world, and it is important to recognize and appreciate the contributions of both in creating a rich and diverse cultural landscape.

\n Weight: 330g\n
Dimension: 211 x 207 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9788869773006\n \n