This week’s lecture focused on the role of propaganda and data design throughout history, with a particular look at movements and styles such as Cubism, wartime propaganda, and the evolution of data-driven visuals. We began by exploring how Cubism, with its fragmented forms and abstracted perspectives, offered a new way of communicating ideas visually, influencing poster and publication design. This led to a discussion on war propaganda, where design was used as a persuasive tool to shape public opinion, boost morale, and mobilise support.
During wartime, propaganda posters became powerful tools for influencing public opinion, encouraging recruitment, boosting morale, and promoting national unity. These often use bold colours, strong slogans, and emotional imagery to leave a lasting impact. The simplicity and directness of the designs ensured they were easily understood by a wide audience.
Cubism broke away from traditional realistic art by showing multiple viewpoints at once, using abstracted geometric shapes and fragmented forms. In design history, its influence can be seen in posters, advertisements, and editorial layouts that play with perspective and simplified forms to communicate ideas in a more dynamic way.
Dadaism emerged as an avant-garde movement during and after World War I, rejecting traditional artistic values and embracing absurdity, chaos, and anti-establishment ideas. In design, this often meant using collage, random juxtapositions, unusual typography, and chaotic layouts to challenge conventions and provoke thought. Its rebellious spirit influenced many later experimental art and design movements.
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Overall, this week highlighted how design has long been a tool not only for aesthetic purposes but also for persuasion, education, and influence. It was interesting to see how the same principles of layout, colour, and composition were used across such different areas, from abstract art to hard-hitting propaganda.
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