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Generative Design

Generative design is a revolutionary new method of creating artwork, models and animations from sets of rules, or algorithms.

Cedric Kiefer and Julia Laub are the creators behind the book Generative Gestaltung; and founders of Onformative, a studio of digital art and design based in Berlin. Their work is focused on driving past the boundaries of design by using alternate mediums like coding, lights, music and even dancing. They explain that they deal with topics that interest them, such as scientific subjects and topics based on nature and current issues.Their process is very open and experimental, first they look at the topic and what they want to express with it and then they choose the medium to express it. 

The book »Generative Gestaltung« deals with the creation of images by using codes. An image is no more created manually but through a visual idea which is translated into a set of rules and then implemented in a programming language in the form of source code. The consequence is that such a program can not only create a single image but also completely re-design visual worlds by changing the parameters.

- Onformative

The fact that Cedric and Julia studied communication design and are now the authors of a book that has become one of the key reference works on generative design inspires me as a comm design student to look beyond simple design solutions and explore more processes to express my creative ideas. 

Creating a Typeface Based on a Grid

The lecture on Week 6 reminded me of a personal project I did some months ago. I challenged myself to make a typeface based on a very simple grid. I thought it was going to be quite easy because the grid is very geometric, but I did struggle and had to make tons of different options for each of the letters. Above you can see a little bit of my process. I would love to show the entire thing but I left my sketchbook back home in Mexico and that picture is all I have in my computer. I would really love to make this exercise again using a different grid and compare the results and processes used for each of the grids.

REFLECTION 

I knew signing up to study Communication Design I would be stepping out of my comfort zone. I knew I would be pushing myself to create without inspiration and I’d work towards creating concepts which employ viewer engagement and problem solving. What I didn’t realise I’d be learning about was the historical art and bold design movements like Bauhaus and Memphis group. These movements are still creating ripples through pop culture, and not just because of how (relatively) recent they were, but because of the boundaries they pushed. I did not expect to learn about and be utterly amazed by the artists books at the MABF but it was awesome to see young and old creatives exhibiting their skills and interests. One particular artist who inspired me was Marian Crawford. She covered her zines with fly screen and cut alternating sized circles out of the pages to create business cards. I loved how thoughtful she was and considered texture one of the most important parts of her work.

From each assessment in GRAP2199, proper planning and time management were of utmost importance, but a strong concept was paramount. Each detail within the ‘Hello My question Is’ had to hint a small idea reflecting back to the question chosen. In the final 'Ask Me Anything’, I found it incredibly challenging to not want to ‘collaborate’ with the artist being interviewed, but show off THEIR work. This finally lead me down the path of learning to make a website. And finally, for the Reflection, blogging each week was a clever way to encourage student engagement. I loved the process of being able to reflect and post my thoughts on what we explored each week - no doubt because Karen and Andy made the course as fun as they did.