What is Graphic Design? Seeking a New Answer to an Old Question

Abstract

Since the term Graphic Design was coined by William Addison Dwiggins in 1922, the field has extended its boundaries and targeted solutions to much more complex visual problems than it was initially assumed. Moving in tandem with technological advances, graphic design has seen a lot of transformations both as an academic discipline and field of practice. This has brought to question most of the definitions of graphic design as they do not exactly reflect the full dimensions of contemporary graphic design practices. This paper points to the blurring boundaries of graphic design practices as they continue to thrive on the wings of modern technology and permeates almost every facet of human endeavor. It concludes by pointing to the difficulty in spinning a definition, thereby advocating for the need for teachers, students and practitioners to develop a proper understanding of the discipline, based on their own competencies to inform a focused and impactful contribution. The paper finally recommends a proper identification and integration of requisite technologies to the training structures of Graphic design. This would be an important step towards the diversification in pedagogic considerations to reflect the current trends and functions of today's graphic design.