Abstract
This study explores the cultural and social implications of intuitive design tools and online platforms like Canva and open-source alternatives on democratizing visual expression. The research examines the correlation between adopting these tools and shifts in individuals’ self-perception as visual creators, the diversification of visual narratives, and the potential blurring of boundaries between amateur and professional creative labor. Moving beyond a purely functional analysis, the research investigates how these technologies are reshaping creative practices, challenging traditional notions of authorship and expertise, and altering the landscape of visual communication within broader cultural contexts. Employing a quantitative methodology, the study analyzes survey data collected from a cohort of non-designers and designers to document their engagement with these platforms, their perceptions of usability, and the evolving nature of their visual content creation and dissemination. By analyzing these trends, the study aims to provide insights into the evolving aesthetics of everyday visual culture, the changing value attributed to design skills, and the potential for empowerment and homogenization within a more accessible creative sphere. Statistical analysis illuminate significant patterns in the data, contributing to a broader understanding of the socio-cultural impact of democratized design technology on human expression and visual literacy.
Presenters
Himanshu DhandaResearch Scholar, Media Studies, School of Social Sciences, Christ University, Karnataka, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Communications and Linguistic Studies
KEYWORDS
Democratization of Design, User-Friendly Technology, Intuitive Design, Self-Perception
