Nicole Roberts MFA Thesis Visual Component Artwork - Savannah ...

EXPECTATION 3 | design discourse
EXPECtAtiON 3
design
discourse
Steven Heller indicates that, “In professional schools,
the tendency is to stress craft and skills. It is a continuing
battle to remind students that there is no poetry in skills
alone.” 12 For that reason, it is becoming more critical than
ever for design students develop their own informed ‘voice’
within the context of design – past, present, and future.
Ben Graham, Creative Director/Principal of Turnstyle
Design Studio in Seattle discloses, “The best candidates
are those who have done their research well and can
communicate why they’re qualified to work for us versus
another firm.” Professionals like Graham reaffirm that a
student’s articulation of design begins with the presentation
of their own work. Unfortunately, survey results show that
design students are not mastering this fundamental skill.
Design discourse ranks as the number one shortcoming of
new graduates entering today’s professional workplace.
12 Heller, Education of an e-Designer,103.
We [as educators] cover
form-giving well, but our
students need to work harder
to develop their critical thinking
and communication skills.
Samantha Lawrie, Professor
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
19