Grace Lees-Maffei
Created @11 februari 2024 21:00
Class CI
Type Reading
Subject Design
Reviewed
Deadline @15 februari 2024
Introduction: Interrogating Iconic Design
The document "Interrogating Iconic Design" delves into the concept of iconicity
and its application to various designs, from religious icons to contemporary
consumer products. The text explores the roots of iconicity, tracing its origins
from Greek eikons to the modern-day application of the term. It also examines
the processes of iconization, discussing how iconic status is conferred and
reinforced through rituals such as museum exhibitions, auctions, and postage
stamps.
The document presents a critical approach to the notion of iconic design,
questioning what it means for a design to be labeled as "iconic" and how this
term aids in understanding design and iconicity. It takes a historically,
geographically, and typologically diverse approach, featuring a range of
objects from the mid-nineteenth century onwards, such as the Eiffel Tower, the
Jaguar E-type car, and the London Eye. The text emphasizes the
contextualization of production, consumption, and the legacy of the focal
designs, aiming to shed light on the historical significance and themes
represented by these iconic objects.
Furthermore, the document discusses the mediating discourses that contribute
to the process of iconization, including museum and gallery exhibitions,
national postage stamps, and auction house sales. It also acknowledges the
Grace Lees-Maffei 1
, widespread use and overextension of the terms "icon" and "iconic," which have
become clichéd and reductive in contemporary media discourse. Overall, the
document offers a comprehensive exploration of iconic design, scrutinizing its
historical, cultural, and societal implications, while critically examining the
notion of iconicity itself.
Questions:
What are the defining characteristics of iconic designs as discussed in
the document?
The defining characteristics of iconic designs as discussed in the document
include representativeness, recognizability, and reverence. Iconic designs are
representative of a concept or idea, often associated with a particular lifestyle
or historical significance. They are recognizable and memorable, often
distinguished by unique visual flourishes or silhouettes. Additionally, iconic
designs are revered or regarded as attractive, and they often hold a significant
place in popular culture. The document also emphasizes the importance of
mediation and reception in conferring iconic status to designs, as well as the
diverse range of objects and themes that can be considered iconic. (Page 4, 7,
9)
How is the process of iconization described in the document?
The document describes the process of iconization as the means through
which iconicity is conferred, communicated, and reinforced. It draws parallels
between the iconization process and the canonization of saints, highlighting the
rituals and discourses that contribute to the elevation of designs to iconic
status. Special rituals, such as the burial of a time capsule featuring selected
designs, and prizes like the European Design Awards, are identified as iconizing
rituals. Additionally, the document discusses the role of national postage
stamps featuring design in the iconization process. The process of iconization
is portrayed as a means of reinforcing the iconic status of designs, and it is
emphasized that contemporary uses of the terms "icon" and "iconic" are often
lazy assertions, overextended, unhelpful, and reductive. The document also
acknowledges that the process of iconization is both subjective and shared,
and it is noted that the assertion and attribution of iconicity is mutually
reinforcing. Overall, the document provides a comprehensive exploration of the
process of iconization and its significance in conferring elite status to iconic
designs. (Page 3, 7, 9)
Grace Lees-Maffei 2
Created @11 februari 2024 21:00
Class CI
Type Reading
Subject Design
Reviewed
Deadline @15 februari 2024
Introduction: Interrogating Iconic Design
The document "Interrogating Iconic Design" delves into the concept of iconicity
and its application to various designs, from religious icons to contemporary
consumer products. The text explores the roots of iconicity, tracing its origins
from Greek eikons to the modern-day application of the term. It also examines
the processes of iconization, discussing how iconic status is conferred and
reinforced through rituals such as museum exhibitions, auctions, and postage
stamps.
The document presents a critical approach to the notion of iconic design,
questioning what it means for a design to be labeled as "iconic" and how this
term aids in understanding design and iconicity. It takes a historically,
geographically, and typologically diverse approach, featuring a range of
objects from the mid-nineteenth century onwards, such as the Eiffel Tower, the
Jaguar E-type car, and the London Eye. The text emphasizes the
contextualization of production, consumption, and the legacy of the focal
designs, aiming to shed light on the historical significance and themes
represented by these iconic objects.
Furthermore, the document discusses the mediating discourses that contribute
to the process of iconization, including museum and gallery exhibitions,
national postage stamps, and auction house sales. It also acknowledges the
Grace Lees-Maffei 1
, widespread use and overextension of the terms "icon" and "iconic," which have
become clichéd and reductive in contemporary media discourse. Overall, the
document offers a comprehensive exploration of iconic design, scrutinizing its
historical, cultural, and societal implications, while critically examining the
notion of iconicity itself.
Questions:
What are the defining characteristics of iconic designs as discussed in
the document?
The defining characteristics of iconic designs as discussed in the document
include representativeness, recognizability, and reverence. Iconic designs are
representative of a concept or idea, often associated with a particular lifestyle
or historical significance. They are recognizable and memorable, often
distinguished by unique visual flourishes or silhouettes. Additionally, iconic
designs are revered or regarded as attractive, and they often hold a significant
place in popular culture. The document also emphasizes the importance of
mediation and reception in conferring iconic status to designs, as well as the
diverse range of objects and themes that can be considered iconic. (Page 4, 7,
9)
How is the process of iconization described in the document?
The document describes the process of iconization as the means through
which iconicity is conferred, communicated, and reinforced. It draws parallels
between the iconization process and the canonization of saints, highlighting the
rituals and discourses that contribute to the elevation of designs to iconic
status. Special rituals, such as the burial of a time capsule featuring selected
designs, and prizes like the European Design Awards, are identified as iconizing
rituals. Additionally, the document discusses the role of national postage
stamps featuring design in the iconization process. The process of iconization
is portrayed as a means of reinforcing the iconic status of designs, and it is
emphasized that contemporary uses of the terms "icon" and "iconic" are often
lazy assertions, overextended, unhelpful, and reductive. The document also
acknowledges that the process of iconization is both subjective and shared,
and it is noted that the assertion and attribution of iconicity is mutually
reinforcing. Overall, the document provides a comprehensive exploration of the
process of iconization and its significance in conferring elite status to iconic
designs. (Page 3, 7, 9)
Grace Lees-Maffei 2
