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Design Juries on Trial

Illustrations by Ray Lytle (except as noted)

Here is how one design student pictured his response to jurors' destructive criticism, complete with tar and feathers. (Source: Clayton Haldeman)

Most people have a tendency to dwell on negative criticism and ignore whatever positive is said about their work. A pianist who gives a flawless performance of a classical concerto until her grand finale on the wrong note is likely to be obsessed with her mistake, no matter how great the applause. Design students are the same way. One devastating remark from the jury, and whatever favorable has been said tends to be erased.

Publicly chastising students for poor or incomplete design works does little to enhance their self-esteem. Such condescending behavior can easily help spawn inferiority complexes. Chronically poor studens must be counseled - but in private.

Competitions in the design professions have become routine, but in other professions competitions are rare. Imagine a competition among surgeons to see who has performed an operation most successfully - with no charge!

Design awards ceremonies are often high-visibility gala events intended to promote a favorable image of the design professions to the public. They are the counterparts of the Academy Awards in the movie industry.