Response

Paul Rand, the author of “Design and the Play Instincts”, establishes the strains of being a teacher and how to keep a student captivated by his or her work. He later states his opinion on how a teacher can keep the students engaged. Paul Rand came up with the idea that  giving a lot of limitations to students will force them to think out of the box, more so than if he or she had the independence to do anything they desired. Rand states;

“I believe that if, in the statement of a problem, undue emphasis is placed on freedom and self expression, the result is apt to be an indifferent student and a meaningless solution. Conversely, a problem with defined limits, implied or stated disciplines which are, in turn, conducive to the instinct of play, will most likely yield and interested student and, a very often, a meaningful and novel solution”

The Chinese toy, The Tangram, is a little square that is divided into 7 different shapes: five triangles, one square, and one rhombus. The purpose of this games is to make any kind of figure or pattern. This game intrigued me the most due to its simplicity but mostly its hidden value. In order to be a graphic designer one needs to be able arrange different shapes and construct and image. Paul Rand makes it clear that having an eye for abstract is a very essential to design.

When critiquing a project it is clear whether or not time and thought was put into it. Rand believes that having meaning behind your work makes it more worthwhile. Meaningless work will never stand out or make a difference in the world. Everyone wants their art work to be remembered.

I agree with everything that Paul Rand stated. Without rules students would never put in that extra notion to make their work that much better.