Understanding Design

In Understanding Comics, Scott McCloud goes through and picks apart "comics," helping his reader to really understand inside and out, how he sees comics. McCloud's first chapter is dedicated to the mere definition of comics; defining them and setting them apart from other forms of art and design. His book goes through and categorizes different parts of "comics," labeling and defining every aspect so that the reader can fully understand what exactly is put into "comics." Why do we need these aspects of "comic" design spelled out for us in a set of rules for comic classification? The reader does not need to know the breakdown of "comics," rather, that breakdown can interfere with the real effect of the art. It should not be the viewer's job to understand the process of design, but the designer's job to know so well that the presentation is seamless, unified, with tho visible breakdown.

Design exists in our society, there is no doubt that it is essential to our way of living. Design continues to exist whether it is acknowledged by the majority of its viewers or not. In fact, design is often overlooked, yet that does not cause it to cease to exist. Readers around the world appreciate comics without understanding them the way McCloud presents "comics." Designs function in society without being appreciated for the process and innovation that they are, and, indeed, it would be less efficient if the general population recognized and understood everything about design. Part of the quality of a design comes from its ability to function without being fiddled with or monitored, its ability to appear natural and effortless. In order to accomplish this seamlessness in function, a design cannot be analyzed and held to certain rules, otherwise no one would ever be satisfied with the design of the design itself! Design should instead, flow naturally without apparent rule or reason, and integrate itself into its habitat easily and unhindered.