Social Responsibility:

Social responsibility is becoming an increasingly important issue for many designers. The power of visual culture cannot be disputed, but should this be a concern for designers? This study explores this subject in detail, addressing the moral dilemmas that designers are often faced with and debating the significance of a designer's role within society. Commercial design and the morality of advertising is examined, as well as the relationship between personal and professional ethics. The concept of moral superiority and what is worthy of designers' talents is also considered, as well as the notion of design having the power to change the world, for better and for worse. The aim of this thesis is to determine who is ultimately responsible for the effects of design and advertising on society and consumer culture; the designer for producing the work, or the audience for letting it affect them?

Autorentext

Samantha Carter was awarded her degree in Graphic Design in 2011. During her time at University she gained valuable industry experience and was commended for an entry into the YCN Student Awards, a national design and advertising competition. Since then she has worked as an in-house graphic designer for a leading distributor of electrical products.