Methods of translating1

The name of this project is Methods of translating, in which graphic design is applied as a process of reconstructing meaning by changing language, medium and context, rather than just translating the original meaning of ‘translation’.

Among the reference cases, I found Julia Born’s ‘In Title of the Show’ particularly interesting, so I decided to develop the idea of how translating by changing media can bring about changes in meaning.

The topic I chose this time was Finnish design. I chose Scandinavian design because I was fascinated by its design which I saw at the design museum in Helsinki I visited this summer.

I was thinking about the relationship between 3D objects like interior design and graphic design. Then I decided to experiment to see what I could see when I translated 3D objects into 2D graphics.

First of all, I observed some Scandinavian design and created several patterns based on its shape.

However, I was stuck as to how to develop this further.

Next, I experimented to see what I could notice if I put the 3D objects themselves in 2D.

Finally, I thought about the definition of interior design and considered what would happen if I tried to place it in a place where it was not originally intended.

All ideas got stuck here, so I decided to get ideas from the tutorial.

Feedback
・The approach of representing 3D objects in 2D, rather than patterns, may have potential for the future.
・Think about whether we can answer the brief a bit more
・Try to create a net drawing and see if there are new developments by combining it with other products
・Think not only about the visible form, but also about ‘function’.
・It was interesting to see the change in perspective that by making it into a pattern, it no longer looks like a 3D object.

Works that might be useful to me
・100 chairs in 100 days
・Design for the real world. by Victor Papanek

I felt I did not fully understand how to answer the brief yet. I will read the brief again and reconsider it based on today’s feedback. I found the feedback on a net drawing particularly interesting and will try to develop from that perspective.