Week 4: Complex simplicity - Projecting a new perspective.
Lecture:
The lecture hosted by Joseph Pochodzaj looks at the ethically complex information design, emphasising its power to shape perceptions and the responsibility that comes with it.
Through historical examples like the Domesday Book and the evolution of the census, it highlights how data collection has long been a tool for governance and control, as well as empowerment.
During the lecture, Joseph explains the ethical challenges designers face, especially in an age where data can easily be manipulated for misleading narratives, as seen in political campaigns.
“There is a darker side – with the huge communicative and transformative power of information design, comes the potential for its misuse and for manipulation of information – so we must also consider the ethical responsibility of the designer in pursuit of the representation of ‘truths’.”(Pochodzaj, J.2023)
The dual nature of the census exemplifies this, acting as both a resource for society and a tool of control.
The misuse of data, particularly in framing immigration debates, illustrates the potential for harm when information design is wielded irresponsibly.
This lecture urges a critical, ethical approach to information design, where the integrity of how data is presented and used is crucial.
In essence, it calls for designers to navigate the complexities of truth, bias, and ethical responsibility in shaping societal understanding and policies.
Research Task:
For this task, I chose to explore a global issue familiar to every individual: global warming. I came across an article from The New York Times titled “Can We Engineer Our Way Out of the Climate Crisis?” The article uses images effectively to illustrate its examination of a new climate change technology, particularly carbon capture, at a facility in Iceland.
Below is an analysis of how I believe the visuals align with and could be improved in relation to the narrative of the article:
Alignment:
The images of industrial structures against a snowy backdrop set the scene for a discussion on innovative climate solutions.
Images showing the geothermal energy source and air collectors provide concrete examples of the technology in action.
Improvement:
The article could benefit from visuals that illustrate the potential negative consequences of climate interventions or the impacts of climate change.
Upon reflection, while the article effectively uses images to support its discussion on climate change technologies, there's room for a more comprehensive visual narrative that includes the risks, global efforts, and human and environmental impacts.
References:
• Pochadzaj, J. (2024) Lecture Week 4. Available at: https://flex.falmouth.ac.uk/courses/1302/pages/week-4-lecture-projecting-a-new-perspective?module_item_id=67972 (Accessed: 05 February 2024).
