The process of designing involves problem-solving [6]. Designers, therefore, should not just be reactive by responding but initiating. The personal beliefs of the designer need to be brought into balance with their creative actions. Their values should be an example of the changes they would like to see in the world. Designing can be a strong means to change the world around us. Design that set ethical standards can add to the quality of life experienced by future generations [6].
Quoting Milton Glaser who said, "Good design is good citizenship” [3]. Well designed creations are a necessary duty to the society and country in which designers are part of [3]. Good design has elements that when used correctly add to the greater good of the citizens of a country [3].
The key is to hold designers accountable to a set of moral standards [3]. A professional designer will be socially accountable for his or her designs and the impact on the public [3]. Without accountability design talent is often wasted and prevent people from striving to a higher level [5].
Social awareness defined as the consciousness that exists among different people that make up a society [1]. Social awareness in its basic form means to be aware of the issues experienced in a society [1]. Karl Marx view was that people form relationships that can be productive or economical and that these relationships lead to social consciousness [1].
Being socially aware helps you to understand the needs of people and then to respond to them [1]. The definition of emotional intelligence includes being aware of self, to regulate oneself, be socially aware and to manage relationships [2]. As defined by Daniel Goleman being socially aware include having empathy, know the need, be concerned and have understanding [2].
An example of a designer taking social responsibility to solve a problem experienced by recycle surfers:
Problem identification:
Street surfers, better known as homeless recyclers, seek shelter after a long day of recycling. For these recyclers, it is important to start early in the morning to make enough money for the day. The recyclers circumstances cause some of these recyclers to sleep at the destinations of pick-ups/ hand-ins to ensure that they have enough time to recycle and reclaim their collections [4].
Proposed solution:
A multi-functional trolley designed to form a shelter with a recycling base where street surfers could rest up before there next recycling run. These home base trollies can be parked near the pickup area or moved to a desirable spot. This concept is a solution towards homelessness, and this design is an improvement from the oversized trollies that’s unsafe and unfavourable on the roads. The rest of the design is to create an “on the go” trolley that’s functional for work and shelter; believed that this design could improve the problem in South Africa. Their lives matter and this design could provide the way of taking charge of this social problem. Having a broader idea of how this system works and how it impacts the environment led to the design.
Conclusion
Developing social awareness, therefore, involves learning about the dynamics of social relationships between individuals, groups and communities. A socially aware individual values human rights and acknowledges the importance of harmonious social interaction for the developmental progress of human beings. Consider the needs of groups and individuals, examine the role of conflicts, increase your sensitivity, educate yourself with social issues, step out of your comfort zone, practice compassion, commit to a plan of social awareness and ask for support.
References
[1] Cengage Learning. (2019) Questia: Social Consciousness. [online] Available at: https://www.questia.com/library/sociology-and-anthropology/social-organization-and-community/social-consciousness [Accessed 5 Oct. 2017].
[2] Daniel Goleman, 2014. (2017). Develop Social Awareness To Build Emotional Intelligence. Available at: http://www.change-management-coach.com/social-awareness.html [Accessed 5 Oct. 2017].
[3] Fred Swoker, Graphic-design.com. (2017). Citizen Designer: should graphic designers have social responsibility? | Bookshelf | Graphic Design & Publishing Center. [online] Available at: http://www.graphic-design.com/design/citizen_design [Accessed 5 Oct. 2017].
[4] Harrisberg, K., (2015). johannesburgs street surfers. Available at: https://www.urbanafrica.net/news/johannesburgs-street- surfers/ [Accessed 11 October 2017].
[5] John Emerson. (2009). The Social Role of the Graphic Designer -- Social Design Notes. Available at: http://backspace.com/notes/2009/09/the-social-role-of-the-graphic-designer.php [Accessed 5 Oct. 2017].
[6] Shel Perkins. (2006). Ethics and Social Responsibility. AIGA | the professional association for design. Available at: http://www.aiga.org/ethics-and-social-responsibility/ [Accessed 5 Oct. 2017].