I think – perhaps, only perhaps – the word ‘values’ led me down a more meandering path, and after the tutorial, I am now wondering if a more pragmatic approach of values within the design process would have been a …more appropriate, if that is the word, route. Not that personal, aspirational, bigger values aren’t related to an individual’s design practice. The other question that came up is whether designers have a duty to make the world better or be agents of change. They certainly can, directly, or indirectly, commercially and through personal projects. I think they do, but then agin, I think everyone does.

I am still struggling to define my values as a designer, or more specifically whether they do differ from any personal values, or if they should. They most certainly are related. e.g. I probably wouldn’t do work for a butcher if I believe in animal rights. But what does honesty really mean in a design process, does it affect the outcome or does it play a role in a relationship with a client?

it is also a bit hard to be objective, are these really my values, or are they what I want people to think?

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As a lot of my time is spent teaching I would like to think I try to both pass on what I believe are good values to my students, or more importantly, have them begin to figure out theirs before they are cast out into a confusing and loud world, thus leaving an imprint on them. However, the image seems a bit aggressive, a bit stomped on, moulded, which is not my intention. I am also not sure they would all agree with the values I have chosen. Perhaps, this should signify not my footprints on them, but theirs as they leave the school, which is why for the image, I used the strip on dirt directly outside the school.

The second attempt is a video that focuses not on the specific five values, but on the idea that all the values and influences a person has – represented by the five shadows – come together to produce a single process (the pencil) or outcome (‘this’). This feels too vague, too easy, too,…something.

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This is in many ways a development of the boot prints; something that leaves a mark in a malleable surface. Signet rings will often include family mottos in Latin and heraldic animals, so maybe a seal of some sort to affix to documents and remind the wearer of his or her values and duties. It doesn’t feel very humble, though, running around marking things with a flashy gold ring. I used a pufferfish as it is an animal that designs.

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Finally – and somewhat literally, I decided to deliver a book (I am just crowbarring the word ‘delivery’ in here.) Books are somewhat humble in appearance but powerful. At first, I thought it should be five books – one for each value as each value would be worthy of its own tome, but as I was putting together the dreaded mood boards, I noticed discovered that many of the values were related.

Also, I wanted something static, not digital, ephemeral, or intangible, but also not carved in stone. It should be easy to carry around. Therefore one single, small book, in fact, the exact size of a book from the Observer’s Guide series

It could fit in a figurative pocket and go on metaphorical journeys. It is red, which may evoke Mao’s Little Red Book, but the colour is intended to be bright but serious. It’s pretty self-explanatory.

And literal.

I titled it ‘Ha’ for two main reasons, maybe three. if you lead with humour the actions of the other values can come easier, I think. ‘Ha’ is also a sound of discovery and triumph, albeit not a particularly humble one. It also looks a bit more interesting, than calling it ‘Five Values to follow”