THE CRITICAL DESIGNER

This week's lecture looked closely at what makes a critical designer. We discussed the value of research, both practical and theoretical, in the studio and/or during creative practice. We also looked at an extract from Andrew Blauvelt's article Remaking Theory / Rethinking Practice which was very interesting. I will discuss the key points of the extract and also my notes I will link at the bottom of the post. 

KEY POINTS OF ARTICLE:
1. 2 arguments - overintellectualising of practice/design - theory can be seen as disruptive towards creative mind, other side is that theory is too vague - 'does not and cannot' respond to real life practice.
2. "impasse between theory and design must be bridged" - design is a form of social practice, theory - engage in the making of design as a means of critical intervention
3. "importance to recognise that design, no matter how it is practiced, fashions it's own theories about making that help give it meaning, significance and legitimacy", designers can actively redefine their practice from within
4. Theory is designed - "by understanding that theory is fashioned, re-fashioned and self-fashioned - not merely fashionable, pre-ordained or predestined - we can begin the process of putting theory to work"
5. "what design lacks in terms of interesting work these days is not necessarily more visual variety, but rather more provocative and polemical answers"