The Value of Design: Setting the Stage

First Impressions

The truth is that people often do judge a book by its cover. Consumers, clients, and comrades make daily decisions about what they view, eat, wear, and buy based upon design. Good design will tell us on first glance whether a product is innovative and modern, fun and youthful, or dependable and traditional. Design is the first impression.

Designers are powerful creators — makers of artifacts, messages and experiences. What responsibilities do we have as creators of culture and influence? How can design add value to the marketplace, the world of art and culture, and the individual everyday experience? Over the next two weeks we will explore these questions from several different perspectives.

AIGA’s goal as an organization is to set the national agenda for the role of design in its economic, social, political, cultural and creative contexts. While AIGA was created to advance the design profession, its members have placed a priority on AIGA’s work in communicating the value of design to audiences outside the profession.

We at AIGA NH/VT know that design is valuable as a professional craft, a strategic tool, and a vital cultural force. Now we are asking you to join us in the task communicating this value to those outside the design community.

Join the conversation about the Value of Design by continuing to visit our blog and by adding your comments.

If you are an AIGA member, let your work do the talking. By designing and submitting work to our very first member show, Creating Impressions, you will take an active role in educating the community about the value of design— as well as gaining valuable public exposure of your work. Find out more information at the show registration page, or email the show curator, Michael Niggel, at membership@nhvt.aiga.org with questions.

-Sarah Gause, Communications Chair