RR02

The chapters in Heskett's book focused on Identity and Systems. The chapter on Identity really interested me, since I can see its direct application to Visual Communication Design. Many corporations and groups use designed logos as a symbol of their identity. A current events example I can think of is the American flag. It's a symbol of our country's unity. The example used in page 94 of the text refers to BP's redesigning their logo to mean "Beyond Petroleum" instead of "British Petroleum." Starbucks is another company that has recently redesigned their logo (it's very subtle, however). Identity is important in design and very influencing for consumers.
The chapter on Systems used a lot of examples from roadways. It relates how designers must be concerned with the larger systems in society and how it influences their work. Page 103 states that the system must be consistent and familiar to the user so as not to cause many problems. This is true, since I can think of times when I have encountered a poorly designed system and how frustrated I've been.

The Cradle to Cradle book is much easier to read and interesting than the Heskett book. Just from the introduction, I'm already interested and want to read more. The introduction talks about how the book is "not a tree" and how design and the environment should work together, similar to what we've talked about in class. I also found it interesting that on page 9 the author Bill states, "design is a signal of intention" and asks, "what is the very best that designers can intend?" It makes me think of how designers should be conscious of the effects of their design on the environment and on how the public perceives the message of the design. The introduction ends by saying "nature doesn't have a design problem. People do." Obviously that is a problem that the public and the designers need to work together to fix.