Joana's Thesis Outline

Introduction

My research project explores compositional processes in graphic design and dance performance. By investigating diverse graphic design methods, and selection of post-modern choreographic approaches, I aim to research what performative qualities could be implemented and explored in design? And what powers of invention or transformation does it set free?

My interest in choreography comes from my dance background, beginning with classical ballet, at the age of five, and later extending to contemporary dance. Concepts of spatial representation and perception, rhythm, and flow have been emerging and influencing my thoughts on designing design. Maybe the question is 'Could I choreograph design?' Beyond being a poetic analogy,

For my theoretical framework, I will be referencing texts which raise relevant topic for my research and which help me understand further, from Brian Massumi on phenomenology, perceptual movement and virtuality in new media art; Sher Doruff on creative processes and mediated performance practice; the designer Karl Gestner for his "Designing Programmes" and the book on performative coding by

When simultaneously looking at both disciplines, is it possible to to draw a parallel between its different methodologies? Could choreographic techniques, for instance, be applied in design when both disciplines define positions, rythms, and the intensities of space? Variables such as: Space perception/Rythm/Movement/Embodiment/ Ephemerality / Eventness (here and now) as part of the method/LOGIC of (composing/defining) designing - Design with performative caracter because the unfolding of a possibility / situation / phenomenon.

with suggestions/experiments on translations from dance into the design practice.

I believe processes in design can learn from processes in performance, challenging the conventional design thinking. This cross-referencing system opens the possibility to unveil new aesthetic, energetic and social dimensions of design production processes.

Chapters Structure

Preface

Abstract

Introduction

1.

Both Graphic Design and Performance pieces are a product of a process, by which general rules and concepts are represented by means of abstract structures. When describing a concept or a phenomenon, both mathematics (geometry) and linguistics are commonly used at communicating the position of elements, properties of space, and time attributes.

The common structures:

COMPOSTION (time and space): Design and Performance rely on decisions of how to organize and distribute elements in space, how these elements relate to each other and how they inherently set a specific rhythm and flow, which is then perceived in the moment which is accessed/performed.

Eg.: (from inventory)

The common languages:

The choreographic scores developed by these different dance performers to communicate movement, use an extensive use of language such as - graphic / numeric / alphabetic complex systems. = Design Language/Tools/ Methods. An exercise of code and decoding, writers (designers/ programmers/ choreographers) and readers (public /computer programs/ dancers)

Eg.: (from inventory)

2. How to translate performativity into design?

A new hybrid form

With the current hybridized status of design, embedded in a technologic and socio-economic ever-changing stability conditions, is it still possible to discuss about static/fixed elements? When fluidity is taking a major role in design practices, how can these aspects become subject of discussion in first place?

- design as … conditions / an event or phenomena

PERFORMANCE > DESIGN

3. From process to expression (form/outcomes)

Eventness - Space and Time values - http://pzwart1.wdka.hro.nl/~jo/notebook/series/series_thinkinginaction.html - hyper - linking?

Default Dimensions or the Pre-history of Space. "Starting in the middle", as Deleuze defines an "event" that happens in the present which means in the middle of past and future.

Conclusions

Keywords

Fluid or hybrid compositional processes / forms / tools / methodologies or fundamentals? Performativity / transdisciplinarity / cross-modal fusion? Dynamic unfolding of the here and now? Ephemerality Virtuality/ potentiality? or Intangibility?