Description
The purpose of this thesis was to develop a toolkit of strategies to bridge the gap between the theories and practice of graphic design sustainability. The author identified five key problems inherent to the practice of graphic design that impede the adoption of sustainability in the industry. The author then developed five strategies to address these problems and incorporate sustainability theory into daily graphic design practice. Five strategies were developed, using a qualitative methodology to research a combination of personal experiences, interviews, and historical accounts from nearly 50 individual sources. The research revealed a need for intervention and a desire on the part of the graphic design community to see sustainability implemented on a wider scale, but little thought as to how to incorporate it into design practice. The author proposes that the problem of little or no association with the end product could be addressed by a strategy of pushing production to the front of the line. That means including production artists and printers in the concept stages. The industry’s emphasis on individualism would be reversed with a new understanding of professional roles by re-envisioning the design studio as a living system. Agencies, with their inflexible industrial work process could address the ever-changing ecology and economy of business by embracing graphic design modularity. A 4-point sustainable design regimen was also developed to help members of a team view each project through a sustainable lens. Lastly, good production hygiene was recommended as a way to ensure that all projects use resources efficiently and effectively. The author then hypothesizes further strategies and potential metrics for the entire toolkit. The thesis concludes by identifying the immediate and long-term benefits of implementing the toolkit and pointing out some of the strategies already in use by cutting edge agencies.