Declassified: Graphic Design Field Site

The media niche of graphic design is a broad expanse of avenues that intertwines with several spaces.

Completing ethnographic research as a skill requires the ability to recognise potential skills that could be developed throughout study. Taking into account the nature of my niche, I must utilise the skills of perspective, problematising, sensitivity as well as flexibility will be important in developing my DA in the most efficient and effective way. 

A field site in ethnographic research enables the ability to “define the objects and subjects” in research, incorporating “physical, virtual and imagined spaces” (Burrell 2009) that can be explored.

Entering into the research I must recognise my privileges of being a cis-gendered white women as well as my socioeconomic status playing a major role in my perspective of my research. My perspective brought to this study is collectively influenced by the generation I was raised in. We were brought up through the emergence of social media, maturing alongside the rapid development of technology within the past 20 years. My acquaintance with this level of media sways my perspective ultimately. 

Working from my experience in studying Visual communications I am influenced by observation and understanding new graphic illustrations to interpret , for my DA from a consumer’s cultural art background.

Burrell, Jenna. “The Field Site as a Network: A Strategy for Locating Ethnographic Research.” Field Methods, vol. 21, no. 2, 18 Feb. 2009, pp. 181–199, 10.1177/1525822×08329699.