OUGD601 Practical Research (First Things First)

RESEARCH

First Things First Manifesto

Ken Garland's manifesto published in 1964, challenged designers to shift the way the design community approached their profession. 20 other designers, photographers and students were also in support of the manifesto, promoting the betterment of society through education and public service tasks. It lashed out against the fast-paced and often trivial productions of mainstream advertising, calling them trivial and time-consuming. The influence of the manifesto was picked up by a wide audience and the media, which led for the manifesto to be revisited and revised in 2000. The manifesto was updated by Adbusters magazine, and signed by 33 designers including Jonathan Barnbrook, Irma Boom and Milton Glaser.

'The aim is to stimulate discussion in all areas of visual communication – in education, in practice, in the organisations that represent design’s aspirations and aims – as well as outside design. The changing relationship of advertising, graphic design, commerce and culture poses some profound questions and dilemmas that have recently been overlooked.'

(http://www.eyemagazine.com/feature/article/first-things-first-manifesto-2000)

The aim of the manifesto is to ask designers to consider their roles and take responsibility. They need to be aware of the impact that their design can have within society.