Design Thinking: How medieval design is still used today
Mr. Smith Ms. Singer We are graphic designers
Our daughter is Lena (Lee) Smith
Today we will learn how people used design in Medieval times…
…and how their design still influences us today.
Today we will: Have a lesson View a demonstration Create a design using what we learn.
What is a Medieval Coat of Arms?
Coat of Arms is an identification system developed during the Middle Ages.
A “Coat of Arms” was used to identify knights
A coat of arms is also called a herald
A herald has several parts
Why did a knight need a “Herald” or “Coat of Arms?”
So he would look different than other knights!
Why is it important for knights to look different?
So others: know which team they are on
Why is it important for knights to look different? So others: know which team they are on earn respect for their brave deeds
Why is it important for knights to look different? So others: know which team they are on earn respect for their brave deeds know which family they are from
Let look at some examples of these in today’s society
So others: know which team they are on
So others: know which team they are on
So others: earn respect for their brave deeds
So others: know which family they are from
Why was it important for knights to be visible from a distance?
So everyone knew which side they were on!
Why is it important for people today to be visible from a distance? So everyone knows which team they are on
Why else is it important for people to be visible from a distance? Cassiesie
Why else is it important for people to be visible from a distance? Safety
What does safety have to do with design?
A lot!
A Coat of Arms
Lets take a closer look at one part: The shield
Examples of medieval shield shapes
Lets take a closer look at one of these:
How are shield shapes used today?
Shield of the Swiss Canton of Soleure
US Interstate Highway Sign
US Interstate Highway Sign
Definition Legible Legibility To see something clearly.
Why is legibility important when driving on the highway?
Imagine you are driving down the highway at 60 miles per hour…
US Interstate Highway Sign
Imagine you are driving down the highway at 60 miles per hour…
These are actual signs on a highway that your parents drive on regularly
Here’s one way good design can make highway driving safer.
A designer created a typeface to improve legibility of road signs.
Its name is “Clearview”
Its designed to improve legibility for drivers
This typeface improves legibility for drivers
Today you will design and make your very own shield.
Think about legibility when you design your shield.