Chatting with Marcus made me realise that I’ve already adopted the post-digital as part of my design approach. It is a subject area that I am deeply interested in and due to this reason, one which I have already developed an understanding of. I realise that I subconsciously tailored some of the thinking behind previous briefs into this space, either in my research or my outcome. I recognised that even during my foundation I was starting to build this approach into my practice of graphic design. Both Marcus and Max are invaluable when it comes to this area of exploration and I look forward to working with them and gaining from their insights in this project and throughout the rest of my studies.
I’ve already outlined an exploration of post digital themes and design within my independent Position Brief. Other Christmas I enjoyed doing in depth research on certain areas which has already equipped me with the vocabulary and fundamental understanding of the themes of the post digital. This isn’t to say I have not got more to learn. The thing which always draws me back into the post digital is that it is constantly evolving. To ensure digital sustainability I think it is our responsibility to keep up with it.
With this in mind, I wanted to get out of my research heavy comfort zone. I set out some initial thoughts and wanted to create short sharp visual outcomes that I could do lots of, or do in an evening and then take them further the next day. I wanted to challenge my usual approach where I set out lots of conceptual strands and then draw everything into a visual outcome towards the end. I’ve identified a strength to this approach during my sapere aude brief but I’d like to see if I can work in a different way and what effect it will have on my process. I’m in a very privileged position as I already have a conceptual grasp of the post-digital so I already have some understanding of the subject matter backing these experiments.
What I have found particularly stimulating, even early on, is the collaborative angle to this project. Because people know I am passionate about this subject area, they seek me out to discuss this project. From a purely selfish angle this is invaluable to hear everyone’s interpretation of this brief but it is so amazing to be able to share my passion and engage with such inspirational, passionate people. I think within my approach I try and engage and channel the wider philosophy of digital-analogue balances. In a sense this is a collaborative working method. Bringing something in and out of the computer creates, rich, multilateral, complex design which I find very affirming to my practice. I’ve been so lucky to have shared ideas and gain insight from; Immy who after we had a chat on the universality of code is exploring how we can “hear an image”, Ellis who expressed an interest in invoking miscommunication with an AI, developing an understanding of how “error”, something utterly human can be implemented within the machine and Daphne who’s engaging with human interaction contextualised within the digital world through looking at game design. These are just a few examples of some of the more in-depth sit down conversations I’ve had with fellow students, ones which will continue to develop down the line. There is so much to learn from everyone and their perspective. In passing people have talked to me about; algorithms that expose racism and sexism in society. Such as Amazon’s AI recruitment tool – https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/amazon-ai-sexist-recruitment-tool-algorithm-a8579161.html, digital surveillance and technologies such as GPS, OS Maps, coding and film photography. It’s so stimulating to see how this brief is differently interpreted and further affirms my love of the exploration of this area. I think people who don’t consider themselves the most “digitally based” are the ones we can learn most from. My girlfriend explains how she works with her hands and builds the practice of tactility into her approach within graphic design. I find this alternate thinking method so interesting to learn from and such a beautiful balance to my own.
I feel very attuned to Marcus’ methods and love how he draws from Philosophy, literature and etymology to help us in our understanding of the post-digital – it’s honed-in place within graphic design and its wider implication on society. I wake up early every morning excited to start the day and get back into this head space, It just clicks with me.
Cameron Aitken Graphic Design 