Design is Storytelling
Join UCDA members Vanessa Harris and Christine Prado for an 8-week book discussion around Design Is Storytelling, a book by past conference speaker and honorary member Ellen Lupton.
This 8-week program begins Wednesday, October 20 from 11 a.m.-12 noon (Central) via Zoom.
FREE FOR UCDA MEMBERS ONLY
WHEN
Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-12 noon (Central)
- October 20, 27
- November 3, 10, 17
- December 1, 8, 15
WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE?
Design Is Storytelling explores many of the tools used throughout history to tell stories and shows how they can be applied to design. We will offer prompts to explore the concepts presented and to facilitate discussion around the tools shown in the book. Doing the prompts are not required for participation but suggested to better understand the tools while exploring one’s personal creativity. The goal is to learn, have fun and share a space with other designers.
We wish to create a supportive, inclusive and relaxed environment. We would like to frame with space with some agreements about how we will conduct ourselves in this space, (feel free to send us your suggestions for this list):
- Bring knowledge, bring humility
- Help create a brave, encouraging space for us to all grow creatively
- Speak for yourself and your experience
- Listen to understand
- Stay present
If you need anything to fully participate in this Zoom discussion, please let us know. We will do our best to ensure any accommodations so everyone can fully participate in this group.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Design Is Storytelling is a playbook for creative thinking, showing designers how to use narrative techniques to create satisfying graphics, products, services, and experiences. Story is important: an intriguing logo, page layout, or public spaces uses form and communication to lead users on dynamic journeys. Explore the psychology of visual perception from a narrative point of view and learn to amplify the narrative power of your work. AIGA Gold Medal for Lifetime Achievement winner Ellen Lupton presents a book designers will love; full of great examples and fun illustrations, it will serve as a guide for any designer looking to examine the power of story.
If you do not yet have the book, it is available online at Amazon and other online and brick-and-mortar stores.
“Why would you buy one pair of shoes instead of another? A runner will focus on comfort and ergonomics. A vegan will focus on materials. A bridesmaid will be searching for an awful shade of peach. Not all choices are so pragmatic, however. A pair of shoes could also trigger emotions, such as longing, lust, or painful memories of high school… Designing for emotions requires thinking about how users will anticipate an experience and how they will remember it later. Will visitors to a hospital recall the warm fabrics and soft lighting of the waiting room or the harsh glare and sharp disinfectants? Will tourists who used a travel app remember how easy it was to find a train schedule, or will they recall a fake hotel review and a clumsy login process? Designers tap into people’s emotions to trigger feelings of delight, desire, surprise and trust.”
— Ellen Lupton, Design Is Storytelling
ASSIGNMENTS
Weekly assignments will be given throughout the course of the program for discussion during the scheduled Zoom times. Participants will be encouraged to share their exploration of the themes as they are comfortable.
Location:
Online