(Reflection) "Graphic Design: Fine Art or Social Science?"

I delved into this source to find out what graphic design is and why so crucial in business and society. This passage by Jorge Frascara, professor of visual communications and chairman of art and design, focuses on graphic design's socially understood definition, its fluid usage and interpretation throughout history, and its flaws and misunderstood assumptions. The article, covering information collected in 1984-2010, is a short excerpt from a volume of Design Issues. The 12 pages of the excerpt are extremely descriptive and provides several accounts and figures as examples to prove the author's point. For instance, a figure of a design for a product, which failed in its purpose due to the graphic being loosely related to its product and purpose (Frascara describes this as an inefficiency in communication). Inevitably, the example given proves graphic design's importance in properly reaching its audience. Other than marketing, Frascara also provides examples of propaganda and typography which also hold important roles pertaining to the purpose of graphic design.

Overall, the main points of the article are the importance of influence of visual communications on its audience. Not only is there an artistic aspect, but also the incorporation of sociology, marketing, psychology, and other important ideas needed to effectively change an audience.