Subjective vs objective

Subjective vs objective:

There is often some question about whether design is objective or subjective, if it's purpose is always about communication and practicality or if design should make a statement or opinion.

When designers are given a commission they can advice the client on what from, structure or colour would look best objectively. But whatever the logic behind a design the client may not 'feel' good about it. This suggests that all design in subjective towards the viewer's opinion, especially when it is compared to other designs. However it is important to question if the designer should be subjective in response to a brief they have been given or react very formulaically, as per instruction.

The Debate: The Legendary Contest of Two Giants of Graphic Design

During the 1970s there was a famous debate between too graphic designers about whether design should be subjective or objective. Wim Crouwel believed that design should 'translate a message in an aesthetic and straightforward way, without personal interpretation,' very much in favour of designing purely for purpose. Whereas Jan van Toorn argued heavily in favour of personality and politics to be evident in commissions.

Much of the debate was about what should be communicated to the viewer.‘I believe that as a designer I must never stand between the message and its recipient,’ Crouwel argues. This suggested that the communication is tainted if the designer introduces personal taste into their work. However, van Toorn believed that by not conveying any personal influence 'you impose your design on others and level everything,' eventually leading to popularised working looking the same and never delving into unique depths. But perhaps this is the purpose of art and not graphic design? Van Toorn sees all the romance and artistic possibility whereas Crouwel prioritises practicality and purpose.

It is possible to consider that design is applicable to both of these in different circumstances and neither should be ruled out. This is because 'the polarities that both men represent no longer exist to anything like the degree they once did, and the notion of there being only one position for the designer to adopt is redundant.' For the wayfinding project I will need to draw on functionality but also a new and artistic interpretation of Leeds. 

Crouwel and van Toorn

Resources:

https://www.grafik.net/category/feature/heated-debate

http://eyemagazine.com/review/article/a-dutch-battle-that-still-rattles