Upon reading chapter 6, I was intrigued by the concept of designed and conceptual norms. As stated in the book, “a norm is an accepted behavioral pattern that’s learned and that helps within a specific culture or group.” To some people, having an all touch screen phone may be the norm whereas some may think phones with keyboards are. As technology advances, these norms continue to change at an extremely alarming rate. Designers are responsible for making subtle or dramatic changes designs that have the power to alter the way we use technology for years and years to come; all while keeping in mind usability, functionality, and likability. In today’s society, media norms change much faster than social norms do. Years ago, I would have never imagined being able to connect speakers wirelessly to any device in my house or have a fridge that allowed me to watch the news while I eat breakfast in the morning. Slowly yet surely, these things are becoming norms; in the near future, they’ll be nothing but old news. In the large scheme of things, it’s important to understand how crucial the role of the designer is when creating new media. Their ideas build our future and without them, we’d still be using cave drawings and sending carrier pigeons.
design courses, syllabi, schedules, resources and policies