Thirteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate how the concept of sustainable design can be integrated into the problem-solving processes of the graphic designer’s three roles proposed by Dougherty (2008), which are message makers, manipulators of stuff, and agents of change. By reviewing both design theories and application cases, this research argues that graphic designers could and should use their different roles as they are the makers of information, the manipulators of artifacts and the agents of change to guide the consumer’s practice and increase their green awareness, to reduce carbon footprints, and improve the green performance of making process, and to shift industry and the society’s priority towards sustainability, finally incorporating the concept of sustainability into the redefinition of good graphic design and achieving a combination of sustainable and aesthetically pleasing. The analysis is divided into three aspects of creating the concept, making stuffs, and changing society. This research provides a preliminary guide to help improve the working manner of graphic designers while also contribute to overall social sustainability.