Thinking Design

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S Balaram - D J Academy of Design, Coimbatore

Other Titles in:
Art and Design (General) | Design

Thinking Design looks at 'design' in its broadest sense and shows how design originates in 'human need' which is not only physical but also psychological, socio-cultural, ecological and spiritual. The book calls for broad-based, socially integrated designs with a large global vision that offer creative solutions to a variety of subjects rather than providing multiplicity of objects. Exploring the course taken by design during the time of Gandhi and in the following era, the author advocates the need for service- or process-oriented designs in contrast to product-oriented designs.

The book explores the history of traditional design and its evolution. On one hand it takes the reader through the cultural-roots of design, and, on the other, it explores new technologies and their applications in design.

A remarkable feature of the book is the way its narrative is enlivened with case studies detailing design inventions, interspersed with tales of Mullah Nasiruddin that provide a tongue-in-cheek take on aspects of design.

This book will be an insightful reference for design professionals, academics and students in institutes conducting research on design and for those in the industrial/technical design departments of Engineering colleges.

Gaston Roberge

Foreword

Introduction

PART ONE: DESIGN, NATURE AND POWER

The Wonder that is: The Context for Designing

Modern Indian Design: The Roots

The Power of Representation: Semiotics for Mass Movement

Fitting the Man to the Task: The Design Training Paradox

PART TWO: DESIGN: HUMAN PERSPECTIVES AND CONCERNS

Design and Rule: Design Colonalisation

Politics is not a Four-letter Word: The Impact of State Policies and Politics

Tools for Change: Learning from the Artisans

For the People, By the People: Design without Designers

The Barefoot Designer: Design as Service to Rural People

PART THREE: DESIGN: NEW DIMENSIONS AND THE FUTURE: QWER

Freedom in Design

Leave Well Enough Alone: The Need for Restraint in Designing

Invisible Design: The Alternative Approaches

PART FOUR: DESIGN REALISATIONS: CASE STUDIES

The Case Studies (13 Case Studies)

Design Pedagogy in India: A Perspective

References

Notes on Select Figures

Index

This is a book of the author’s reflections and insights, in particular about the practice, learning and teaching of industrial design for India’s rural poor. The language is fluid, and the style informal. The book is thought-provoking, as any good book should be. It would serve its purpose well if it inspires greater interest in, and debate on industrial design in India.

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