![]() Belle Junput BA Graphic & Media Design Design is constantly changing over time as it's influenced by society, trends, political issues and a need for change. As a Graphic & Media Design student, we were taught about the fundamental rules in graphic design which ranges from the grid systems to visual legibility to colour theory. Since the pandemic, there have been a number of articles surrounding anti-design vs minimalism which brings to mind the question is one better than the other? And what is correct design? Firstly, we’ll need to know the history of anti-design and minimalism as well as when it became popular in the design world. Anti-design was actually inspired by an architecture movement, Brutalism, known for its geometric, unusual shapes and style which emerged in the 1950s. This form of anti-design can also be seen in furniture and fashion. Before web design, websites ‘had no concern of design’ as it was simply just all about ‘information, HTML and blue hyperlinks.’ While Minimalist design started in the 1920s which also comes from architecture. Its popular for its strict grid layout, white space and less colour design. In the early 2000s, websites were mainly influenced by minimalism movement after a need for change from the Brutalist style in the 90s. Recently in 2019, Brutalism style has become widely popular within graphic design influenced by 90’s web design and pop culture. Anti-design is about stepping out of the rules of graphic tradition. It’s a way for people to be expressive, chaotic and experimental with its clashing and bold colours which is often seen as ‘ugly’ but in a way makes it unique and human. Not a lot of people know that the ‘ugly’ design requires skill as stated in an article about anti-design, ‘anti-design requires real confidence and skill, ironically. It's good to know the rules before you break them’. I agree with this extract as it requires basic graphic design knowledge to create good anti-design pieces intentionally. From an article, ‘Embracing what is disliked and considered incorrect. Mistakes become virtues, create authenticity and humanity.’ -Tom Banks The evolution of anti-design to minimalism can see be evident in the Google logo seen in figure 1. During the earlier days of the internet, the Google logo had striking colours and bold typography compared to the present-day logo which is minimal with simple edges and dimmed colours. In my opinion, I prefer the 1997-1998 logo as it had more character and style. Comparing anti-design against minimalism, I found an example of an Oreo advert which was advertised during covid-19 lockdown of last year. The design is clean yet straightforward that communicates the slogan ‘#stay home stay playful’. Its more formal which suits the situation because of the pandemic. Whereas the other poster is a lot more crowded and bolder. I believe that the anti-design poster is more effective than the minimalist one because for the Oreo advert, you could walk past it but for the anti-design poster it makes the audience engage longer because of its unique look. Bibliography: Banks, T., 2012. Pretty Ugly: Visual Rebellion in Design. [online] Design week. Available at: <https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/may-2012/pretty-ugly-visual-rebellion-in-design/> [Accessed 4 December 2021]. DISKO. 2017. Brutalism design: trend or revolution? - DISKO. [online] Available at: <https://www.disko-agency.com/thoughts/brand-content-blog/brutalism-design-trend-revolution/> [Accessed 5 December 2021]. Niemann, M., 2021. Is AI killing creativity in film? Or fuelling it?. [online] Creative Review. Available at: <https://www.creativereview.co.uk/ai-film-directing-unit9/?cmpid=crnews_23733725&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=cr_news> [Accessed 4 December 2021]. Obirek, S., 2017. Let’s talk about anti-design.. [online] Medium. Available at: <https://blog.prototypr.io/lets-talk-about-anti-design-ea59798e0791> [Accessed 6 December 2021]. Scacca, S., 2018. Brutalist Web Design: Where Did It Come From and Why Is It Back?. [online] WPMU DEV Blog. Available at: <https://wpmudev.com/blog/brutalist-web-design-where-did-it-come-from-and-why-is-it-back/> [Accessed 6 December 2021]. Nielsen Norman Group. 2020. The Roots of Minimalism in Web Design. [online] Available at: <https://www.nngroup.com/articles/roots-minimalism-web-design/> [Accessed 6 December 2021]. Williams, M., 2021. [Blog] THE RISE OF ANTI DESIGN, Available at: <https://www.creativereview.co.uk/anti-digital-graphic-design/> [Accessed 4 December 2021].
2 Comments
s.temple
1/7/2022 04:12:02 am
Interesting critical thought on the subject of rules and the "Masters" who have owned the tools for too long. Worth reading other posts which share interesting perspectives on human authenticity and imperfection and how empowering this becomes as part of design process.
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Robert Urquhart
1/7/2022 12:41:58 pm
Great to use the Google logo as an example - and to think how they have embedded 'sophisticated' design as a foundation for all they do now! Thanks for sharing
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