Phase 4: Weeks 13-16
Define, Test and Prepare
More Iteration and review
More further development, peer review of a draft report and writing final report or business plan
Revise the question:
How can design show the diversity and cultural value of cycling beyond its stereotypes?
Weekly learning objectives
Draft Critical Review
Look back and develop
You know last week when I said I finally had it? Well, this week I’m back to thinking I still haven’t…
Feedback is still that it’s sounding vague and that ‘thing’ is missing. It seems to have drifted back to the original question and not last weeks’ pedestrian/cyclist/motorist – not sure why…
Two steps forward (I thought) and then one step back.
A scrapbook of information – that’s what we’re looking at; peoples’ stories, reasons, uses. Ways in which the bike fits in with different cultures…
I think I should’ve left off the image as it drew away from things a little.
On a positive note:
The feedback from the draft review was good and there are some points in there which could help progress the project as well as the next draft.
FEEDBACK:
Really like what you’ve written so far – I think it’s good “scene setting” to your project and the stats that you’re looking at are great for context too.
Your question asks how design can tell the story of cycling beyond the stereotypes – can you look at how has this story been told before? It would be interesting to analyse how these stereotypes came about in the first place, and then highlight how the use of design to tell the same story could result in a different perception of cyclists.
You can refine your questions further and remove the statement in the first paragraph, as it’s jumps to conclusions that you haven’t addressed. It’s also a little unclear. What are your intentions?
How can graphic design… (your current question can simply be answered yes or no)
I would also ask the same about some of the articles and stories you’ve found, for example you talked about women in Iran not cycling because of the belief it would impact fertility. I think you could dig deeper into these different cultural beliefs about cycling and talk about how they came about. You could even pull together some really extreme “headlines” about cycling from around the world, showing really opposing views and extreme scenarios. Your report could also look at how design represents cycling differently in different cultures? Using the example above again, are cycling adverts in Iran totally aimed at men? It would be really interesting to analyse how clubs, bike manufacturers etc promote themselves in different cultures and how this leans into the stereotypes you’re talking about.
I think because your question talks about the link between design and diversity in the cycling world, you could do a lot of analysis on the representation of cycling/cyclists and how design has contributed to the stereotypes that have formed, and then explain how your project might break down the stereotypes/myths around cycling and tell a more gritty, but real story.
Your report draft could look more widely at the role design plays in all the areas you talk about – what you’ve written and the notes you’ve said you are going to include is all really good, I just think it would add another level to the report if you could bring in some analysis around the role of design in the cycling world, and this would then tie it together with your studio practice?
I like the idea of framing your critical report around the negative stereotypes of cycling, which you will then address in your report and explain the cycling is more than lycra. It has the power to instigate political change, improve wellbeing/health and empower communities. Your report should explore these themes and, in particular, view cycling through a global and social context.
I don’t see the point of writing about ‘being part of a group’ or ‘cycling on the increase’ as you’re looking at this through a very western perspective, which cycling is more of a sport/leisure pursuit. Your research question asked more than this and your report must go into more depth and demonstrate that cycling is more than the common cliches. You should argue this point and shatter perception.
Don’t forgot to include a section about how your graphic design outcome has developed and how it has helped change the perception of cycling.
Don’t forget to add a bibliography.
DOWNLOAD:
Contact made with Bikes Not Bombs
I approached a number of organisations back in Week 13, I’ve heard back from Bikes Not Bombs who are happy to take part. During the time before their response, the project changed (again) slightly; instead of building an archive, it’s now to be a collection of stories showing the various ways cycling, or just the bicycle, impacts different cultures.
An online meet has been set up for 2nd March. I’ll be asking to record the meet so that I can refer back to it, also to see if they’re willing to let me use their information, images and films for the project.
Bikes Not Bombs
Our Mission
Bikes Not Bombs uses the bicycle as a vehicle for social change to achieve economic mobility for Black and other marginalized people in Boston and the Global South.
Reflection
Frustration…
There needs to be a central theme, a super-clear description easy to say and understand. Those are the results of this week. Now I’m in a loop of asking myself if the angle has been found to telling myself it hasn’t which then brings out alternatives which clutter the process of thinking, taking things right back to having an overthought yet undeveloped central theme.
More about Bikes not Bombs will be starting off next weeks blog…
