Representations of Critical Thinking in Graphic Discourse
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35560/jcofarts1761Keywords:
Representations, Thinking, Critique, DiscourseAbstract
This study explores the representations of critical thinking within graphic design discourse, positioning it as a conceptual entry point for understanding the relationship between visual composition and cultural-epistemic contexts. The inquiry is grounded in a central problem: examining the role of critical thinking skills in diagnosing design-related challenges and generating innovative solutions that move beyond conventional approaches. The research is structured around three analytical axes: mechanisms of critical observation in graphic design, contextual and audience awareness, and meaning-oriented visual innovation. The findings reveal that critical thinking constitutes a pivotal element in shaping design as a cultural discourse rather than merely a communicative tool. The study highlights how critical design practices can interrogate reality and stimulate interpretive engagement. Furthermore, it concludes that graphic design, when rooted in critical awareness, does not simply embellish content but reconfigures it within a reflective visual space. The study recommends integrating specialized modules on the representations of critical thinking within graphic design curricula, emphasizing context analysis and the deconstruction of visual structures
References
Al Qur’an, H. A. D. (2020). The Role of Talent and Skill in Visual Communication Design Education/Practice: Three Case Studies from Jordan. 43–57. https://doi.org/10.17501/23572744.2019.6106
Al-Fahdawi, S., & Baiwi, I. (2011). Developing artistic criticism for postgraduate students in the Department of Art Education in the light of the structural critical approach. The Eleventh Scientific Conference of the Faculty .
Carolien E. Postma, Elly Zwartkruis-Pelgrim, Elke Daemen, & Jia Du. (2012). Challenges of Doing Empathic Design: Experiences from Industry: Vol. Vol 6, No 1. International Journal of Design.
Crilly, N. (2019). Creativity and fixation in the real world: A literature review of case study research. Design Studies, 64, 154–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.destud.2019.07.002
Cross, N. (2011). Design Thinking. Berg Publishing Plc. https://doi.org/10.5040/9781474293884
Dave, K., & Gregory, S. (2022). Designing with Constraints: Are we designing for creativity or compliance? ASCILITE Publications, 403–406. https://doi.org/10.14742/apubs.2019.296
Dewalska-Opitek, A., & Szejniuk, A. (2024). Gen Z consumers’ inclination to engage in brand relationships in Metaverse – an empirical approach. Journal of Modern Science, 56(2), 336–356. https://doi.org/10.13166/jms/188362
Dorst, K. (2011). The core of ‘design thinking’ and its application. Design Studies, 32(6), 521–532. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.DESTUD.2011.07.006
Erickson, T. (1996). Design as storytelling. Interactions, 3(4), 30–35. https://doi.org/10.1145/234813.234817
Gill, A., Mehwish, S., Zaidi, Z., Karachi, U., & Wilkinson, J. S. (n.d.). An Exploratory Study to Reconcile Urdu Language and Contemporary Logo Design. www.iafor.org
Hallnäs, L., & Redström, J. (n.d.-a). INTERACTION DESIGN. www.hb.se/ths/ctf
Hatchuel, A., & Klasing Chen, M. (n.d.). Creativity under Strong Constraints: the Hidden Influence of Design Models traduction Creativity under strong constraints: the hidden influence of design models. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1062798716000557ï
Humphreys, T., Leung, L., & Weakley, A. (2008). Embedding expert users in the interaction design process: a case study. Design Studies, 29(6), 603–622. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.DESTUD.2008.07.006
Kossoff, G., Irwin, T., & Willis, A.-M. (2015a). Transition Design. Design Philosophy Papers, 13(1), 1–2. https://doi.org/10.1080/14487136.2015.1085681
Lupton, E. (2017). Design Is Storytelling. Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum,.
McCarthy, S. (2011). Designer-Authored Histories: Graphic Design at the Goldstein Museum of Design. Design Issues, 27(1), 7–20. https://doi.org/10.1162/DESI_a_00053
Messaris, P. (2003). Visual Communication: Theory and Research. Journal of Communication, 53(3), 551–556. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-2466.2003.tb02608.x
Molly Long. (2025). Cultural appropriation: can designers ever responsibly “borrow” from other cultures? Interconnect IT Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Norman, D. A. . (2013). The Design of Everyday Things : Revised and Expanded Edition. Basic Books.
Pan, A. (2025). Graphic landscape in cities: decoding the identity and meaning of Chinatowns in London, Manchester, and Liverpool. Loughborough University, Doctoral Thesis,.
Phillips, B. J., & McQuarrie, E. F. (2004). Beyond Visual Metaphor: A New Typology of Visual Rhetoric in Advertising. Marketing Theory, 4(1–2), 113–136. https://doi.org/10.1177/1470593104044089
Pieters, R., Wedel, M., & Batra, R. (2010b). The Stopping Power of Advertising: Measures and Effects of Visual Complexity. Journal of Marketing, 74(5), 48–60. https://doi.org/10.1509/jmkg.74.5.048
Robert Singer, & Gary D. Rhodes. (2024). Chapter 1: Posting the Cinema. In Film by Design. University Press of Mississippi.
van der Meulen, S. (2019). Going Digital? New Media and Digital Art at the Stedelijk. Arts, 8(3), 97. https://doi.org/10.3390/arts8030097
Yingjie, L., & Singh, A. M. (2025). Visual Communication, Art, And Design Analysis: Capturing The Human Expression. Frontiers in Health Informatics, 4486–4493. https://doi.org/10.63682/fhi2578
Zaremohzzabieh, Z., Ahrari, S., Krauss, S. E., Samah, A. B. A., Meng, L. K., & Ariffin, Z. (2019b). Predicting social entrepreneurial intention: A meta-analytic path analysis based on the theory of planned behavior. Journal of Business Research, 96, 264–276. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JBUSRES.2018.11.030
