U N I V E R S I T Y O F L E T H B R I D G E A RT G A L L E RY
art + people = x series
joy : the x factor an annotated bibliography of contemporary design process by Emily Luce For many designers, or any person who formulates a plan, standard processes and protocols, informed evaluation and didactic reasoning are primary tools. Joy, on the other hand, is unaccountable. It is a surprise. It can’t be contained. It’s un-designable.
Kenojuak Ashevak, Multifeathered Bird, 1961 From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Gift of Toni Onley, 1988. Unknown, Two Fashion Drawings in One From the University of Lethbridge Art Collection; Bequest of Roloff Beny, 1987.
Joy is not, however, the antithesis of design. It is an extension of it. Joy can be facilitated by generosity, by happenstance, by wit, by presence, by an open door. A person can try to make it happen, and hope it works out, but that’s it. Forcing joy is goingthrough-the-motions; insisting on joy is a joke.
Joy is the best possible consequence of a compound of influences. Joy makes a connection, and lifts off. The potential for joy, combined with the processes and protocols we work with to achieve a designed outcome are intrinsic to our discipline. The unknown and the uncontainable are welcome in this register of design. Presented in the next pages is a concentric diagram of the design process. Elaborating on each of the points in the diagram are quotes that explore, challenge and attempt to capture joy in the design process. Illustrating the diagram are works from the University of Lethbridge Art Collection.
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