An activity theory focused case study of graphic designers’ tool-mediated activities during the conceptual design phase

Similar to other design disciplines, graphic design employs a range of symbolic and material resources through the conceptual design phase. Personal, social and technological resources are used as tools to interpret a design brief and work towards a solution. This study investigates the problem-solving process of graphic design practice within an activity theory framework, focusing on data collected using ethnographic methods concerning tool-mediated activities and strategies undertaken by three mid-weight freelance graphic designers. Employing a theory that explicitly acknowledges and diagrams the interplay between subjects, tools and tasks offers new insight into the design decision-making process, particularly the significance of tool mediation for the realization of tasks during design work.