History and theory and multimedia practice

How can history and theory relate to the practice of multimedia design?


history and context

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Studying history and theory helps me to realise the context that I am entering as a multimedia designer. It helps me to think about why things have developed the way they have, and to see reasons behind why things are, and the ways they are developing.

Studying the history makes me appreciate some of the big questions that I need to think about. Everything that I make is in a cultural context even if I am not aware of my cultural context. I would like to be more aware of the context that I am designing in, because I want to benefit from the rich history of ideas and practice, and continue on rather than re-inventing the wheel. I would also like to be able to be critical of my context, and to be critical requires awareness first.

Studying theory can also help redefine design problems, and help you question why things are done in a certain way, and if other ways are possible and preferable. It also helps you re-think possibilities and more traditional ideologies.