In this book, Dutch graphic designer Ruben Pater uses clear language and visual examples to show how graphic design and capitalism are inextricably linked. Capitalism could not exist without the myriad banknotes, documents, infographics, interfaces, brands, and advertisements created by graphic designers. Even anti-consumerist strategies, such as social and speculative design, are appropriated to further economic growth. Design, it seems, is trapped in a cycle of exploitation and extraction, which fuels global inequality and environmental collapse. Six radical design cooperatives that resist capitalist thinking are presented, hoping to inspire a more socially conscious practice.
CAPS LOCK uses clear language and striking visual examples to show how graphic design and capitalism are inextricably linked. The book contains numerous case studies of designed objects related to capitalist societies and cultures, and also examines how the education and professional practice of (graphic) designers support the market economy and how the practice of design is trapped within that same system.
The content of CAPS LOCK is structured into chapters with titles based on professions that designers can pursue (such as Educator; Engineer; Hacker; Futurist; Activist; etc.). These titles reflect the importance not only of how designers do their work, but also how they fulfill everyday economic and social roles.
Each chapter is divided into coherent articles that describe various examples of design objects and practices. The book also presents examples of radical design collectives working toward alternatives between design, community, and reciprocity.
- Economic concepts and origins explained in a way that is accessible to designers, without jargon
- Featuring examples from the practice of six design collectives that attempt to dismantle the relationship between capitalism and design
- A source of inspiration for all those working in the field of design: students, designers, educators (like Ruben Pater's previous book, The Politics of Design (2016))
- Ruben Pater developed a set of educational tools called CAPS LOCK, which can be downloaded for free here.
Ruben Pater (1977, Netherlands) trained as a graphic designer, worked in several design studios, also independently, and as an educator (e.g., MA Royal Academy of Art, The Hague). With Untold Stories, Pater creates critical work at the intersection of graphic design, journalism, and activism.
CAPS LOCK is an inspiring book full of resources for design students, educators, and visual communicators worldwide.
432 pages
11 x 18 cm
English