Design, Trends and Their Connection with Culture

culture design

culture design

The Cultural Differences of Design in Different Countries

Designs keep changing, and for a designer, trends, principles, requirements of clients, and culture overall play significance in determining what people appreciate today and what they may reject tomorrow. When it comes to culture, many would agree that a design element that gets accepted in India may not always be a good idea in a European country. In this article, you will find out why it is often the case. We’ve dissected into major world cultures and how they impact the work of visual creators.

Some students are also given tasks to write on this or a similar topic. However, whether you are looking up some information to complete your piece, or just researching for job purposes, here’s a quick list of questions you need to answer before you get down to work:

  • How does visual communication vary from one country to another?
  • How do cultural differences from one country to another influence the work of creators?
  • Are there any common colors applicable to different countries?
  • How do font types vary from one country to another?

In fact, these questions can go on and on. To make it easier, you  can find a reliable, professional paper writing service that can help you with drawing up important design concepts for your paper, or do even a more comprehensive research for you, in case  it’s been quite a while since your graduation. All in all, you need a decent plan and a visualization of artistic creations if you want to complete the task successfully.

Now, with respect to cultural influences on design, it is important that visual artists take note of nuances such as religion, values and colors. Think about it this way. Are there religious restrictions that would limit a designer’s creativity when designing, for example, a logo?  Also, would the use of certain symbols be regarded as offensive?

Understanding major cultures and design trends

Whichever way you look at it, color is a de facto design principle/element all over the world. Whether in traditional or modern design, you will always find color denoting some sort of culture. However, before a designer can settle on color choices to use in creating an artwork, it is imperative that he or she zeros into how cultural nuances of a country influences visual artistry.

At this point, let’s explore a few elements specific to certain cultures and how they vary from each other.

Design in Europe

Europe is a continent of many cultures, and there is no doubt such variations play significance in influencing modern design trends. From art, literature, music to architecture, you will need to understand what transpires in a member country before deciding on the appropriate color, line, shape or fonts to use in a logo, drawing or any other type of visual art.

For many years, European culture transitioned through many phases to modern-day art. It means you’ve got to think about Prehistoric art, Medieval, Classical, Baroque, Mannerism, Renaissance, Neoclassical, Rococo, Realism and Romanticism before figuring out the best design for a client.

It is because while someone would relish over retro artwork depicting the age of Romanticism, another would want a creator to factor in modern-day design trends such as emoticons. It is always about providing a client with a design service that resonates well with their tastes or ascription.

The Meaning of Color in Japan

A walk down the history of a country is one way to go about national colors and what they symbolize. But depending on the purpose, for which you are hired to create an artwork, designers must also take note of meanings colors manifest in a deeper sense. In Japanese culture, for example, blue color means cool, fidelity and passiveness.

It would also interest you to note that Japanese regard blue as the color of luck. While times may have changed, color traditions remain deeply entrenched in the country’s quest for posterity.  You will often notice blue in dresses such as office wear and in attires adorned by fresh graduates during their first job interviews. Other colors, which bear the same meaning as blue are yellow, purple, red and green.

Indian cultural nuances

The big question is this, “How does the culture of India impact design?” Well, India is richly endowed with colorful cultures, most of which date back to centuries ago. That is not to mention that for a long time now, the graphic design landscape in India always gets shaped by religious mannerisms. The country is home to some of the oldest religions, namely Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism.

All in all, it would interest you to note that culture and design are inseparable entities in India. Talk about bold colors, shapes or fine lines and you will always notice them on temple walls, sari apparel, graffiti, and signposts and among other places. In a nutshell, creators targeting clients from this part of the world should always emphasize color prominence.

Final Words

Culture, according to studies, is a collective view of a people, cultivated behavior and learned experiences. Whether through social interactions and any other form of association, culture remains an overarching factor in the work of designers, even in the unforeseeable future.

Author: JanusGP