Out of place: Shifting from human-centered to more-than-human perspectives in visual communication design

Abstract

Visual communication design has inevitably been a powerful tool for creating human-centered design principles, however, often neglecting the rest of the living world, without whom our – human – existence would be impossible. At a time of a climate emergency and immense threats to biodiversity, it is critical to move away from anthropocentric definitions and form new thinking towards improving our coexistence with each other, including other species.

The goal of the study is to explore ways in which visual communication design can help to narrow the gap between science and arts through a multispecies approach that leads to a design practice that is ethical and respectful to all species. This thesis combines literature review and a practice-led design study that applies a more-than-human approach to auto-ethnographic, movement-based research method (cycling). Therefore, the research is structured as a metaphor for a journey – starting at the Doorstep, passing A Myriad of Turns, arriving in New Territories and ending at Crossroads. With the invasive giant hogweed as a companion species, this thesis seeks for ways to design-with throughout the journey.

The design project of the thesis is part of an interactive, educational and multimedia event Nature Concerthall, which reveals the symbiosis of nature, music, science, visual art and literature. The study resulted in a visual solution to environmental installations, proposals for stage design and the overall visual identity for the 2021 event on invasive species.

This research offers insight into the multispecies approach that leads to a sustainable graphic design practice, creates awareness and motivates towards a pro-environmental behaviour on both the individual and community level. Thus, visual communication can be a successful mediator between science and the public, and such interdisciplinary collaboration can positively respond to the climate emergency.