Sample Space Of One:
A Critical Theoretical Framework

Thesis Statement

Through digital environments, graphic designers mediate perceptions and create conduits to meaning. This leads to designs that collectively represent and guide social participation. However, when considering the individuality of human experience, objective reality is rarely considered. Cognitive phenomenology affords a critical theoretical framework for current design practices. 

Introduction

This body of research will reveal that cognitive phenomenology offers a critical theoretical framework for current design practices by correlating how people think, designing with the mind in mind, based on human action principles with how designers can appropriately apply design rules through understanding the psychological rationale behind these rules.

Mind Map https://bubbl.us/?h=14481b/2871b5/13WZyM7bYk2HY

Thesis Outline

• I. Historic View of Graphic Design
  • Role of graphic design in mediating perceptions / creating meaning
  • Empirical positivism view on validating the field
    • Experience & statistical data forming ideas
  • Naturalist bias inherent in society
    • Objectivity overlooking subjective perceptions
    • Understand our physical environment – quantitatively
  • Values reliable science-based knowledge (research)
    • Production-oriented, autonomous, weakly contextualized
  • Role of materialism
  • Designers embracing this view

II.    Contemporary Trends in User Experience Design

III.   Philosophical Framework Missing from Design

IV.    Critical Need for Theoretical Framework

V.     Connecting Experience & Mental-Cognitive Events

VI.     Conclusion

(As I am currently revamping this outline, I will post the rest of the outline after revisions. I say this because formatting an outline using a WordPress WYSIWYG editor is time-consuming! The full outline is posted on the GRDS-761-OL thread for unit 8.)

_______________
Photo Credit: jazzlinguist.blogspot.com