Quick Projects: Ain't email great...?

I surfed the w3 for information about Paul Nini and came across his entry on the faculty of Ohio State University. It showed his email address, so I decided to contact him about his article that we discussed yesterday.

Here is my email:

Hello Mr. Nini

My name is Gavin Dimmock and I am currently studying part time for a degree in Graphic Design.

Last night (7th Jan) at college, our tutor introduced us to your article from 2004, “In Search of Ethics in Graphic Design”. It prompted an interesting discussion amongst the class and has given us new ideas to consider when designing.

I was interested and intrigued by the comments that designers must “consider the needs of all potential audiences and users”. Am I correct in thinking that you are referring to any one who may view a piece of design and not simply the intended market?

For example, consider a designer who is creating the packaging of a computer game that has strong images to be used on the cover (war, horror etc) – as many seem to these days. Does the designer have to consider, not just the teenage market that he game is aimed at, but the possibility that granny might come across the box and be offended by it? If designers have to consider every possible viewer, then does this not limit the designs we can create for a specific target market or client?

We would be very interested in your views on this and other areas of the ethics issue.

Best regards,
Gavin Dimmock