Jenny Holzer, Rives’s typographic narrative and Taryn SImon’s images left me with thoughts about the many aspects of the inclusion of cultural values in design and how we as designers, shoulder the enormous responsibility of what we convey in our visual communication. Taryn Simon’s work is an apt example of how images alone can be deceiving. However, a narrative can anchor the image with an interesting story that is accompanied with research and fact. Rives’ typographic narration makes use of references in the current context with the verbal narration that accompanies visual symbols that uses current short messaging system symbols to form the story. Jenny Holzer’s views on staying engaged with a single subject and being true to its interpretation is relevant in the context of cultural values.

As we move along the course, I realise the focus on process follows a random yet linear format. And as I make the transition towards the final output, the stages of analysis and synthesis take into account the cultural values of the subject. The approach also requires an understanding and empathy that can possibly bring out the best in the concept. These are exercises in developing an approach that is meaningful and based on ideas with which people can connect at a deeper level with the outcome. When connecting the work at hand with cultural values, it also creates a multiple interaction with its audience, which is why when we came up with ideas for our outcome in the current exploration in Unit 6, we were asked to reflect upon who was our audience, whether the medium and concept that we were working with, connecting with the target audience. In the end, communication is about making that connection with the target audience. And one of the ways to make an effective connect is cultural values.