How capitalism took hold of graphic design, and how to escape from it
text and design by Ruben Pater
- Author(s)
- Ruben Pater
- Publication, year
- Amsterdam : Valiz, 2021
- Scope
- 552 Pages, illustrated, 19 cm.
- ISBN
- 9789492095817
Capitalism could not exist without the notes, documents, graphics, interfaces, branding, etc.; artefacts that have been (partly) created by graphic designers. Even anti-consumerist strategies such as social design and speculative design are being appropriated within capitalist societies to serve economic growth. It seems that design is locked in a system of exploitation and profit, a cycle that fosters inequality and the depletion of natural resources. CAPS LOCK uses clear language and striking visual examples to show how graphic design and capitalism are inextricably linked. Its content is structured in chapters with titles of professions that designers can occupy (such as Educator; Engineer, Hacker, Futurist, Activist, etc.). These titles respond to the importance of not just how designers make work, but also how they perform daily economic and social roles. The book also features examples of radical design collectives, that work towards alternatives between design, community and reciprocity.
- Person as subject
- Ruben Pater
- Location
- Cabinet 13 - 3: Grafische vormgeving
- Remarks
- Incl. notes, Bibliography, Index
