anti design
Out of context: Reply #41
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- lukus_W0
Re: 'anti-design' not being a trend, I'd argue that even though it's existed as a part of critical theory, or philosophy, for a long time - it still can (and is) emerging as a trend. We might be scraping the barrel - but as society progresses, society needs more sophisticated methods of (aesthetically) separating the wheat from the chaff.
However nauseating and non-descriptive the term 'edgy' might be, I think it will always be applicable to people who wish to _appear_ associated with a perceived cultural vanguard - regardless of their own personal merit. There will always be people who will superficially follow trends - and most of us are culprits (whether we admit it or not).
As ugly as it is to think about, design is (obviously) often a clear reflection of ego. The ego of the designer, the ego of the client and ultimately the ego of the audience that chooses to consume it.
Anti-design is desirable because it monopolises on this sense of ego by setting a psychological game in motion. Those who 'get it' are rewarded, at the expense of those who don't. I think it's just another extension of the playground.