Narrative Problems of Graphic Design History

Abstract

The problem of method in the construction of narratives is particularly acute in the field of graphic design history. Various publications have brought attention to the subject of graphic design history, but have not marked a course for the full explanation of how graphic design developed as a practice. Three major texts by Philip Meggs, Enric Satué and Richard Hollis address the history of graphic design, but each raised questions about what material to include, as well as how graphic design is both related to and distinct from other visual practices such as typography, art direction and illustration. The author calls for a narrative strategy that is more attentive to these distinctions and probes more deeply into the way that graphic design has evolved.