Abstract: The Art of Design

Abstract: The Art of Design, released in 2017 on Netflix, is a docuseries that invites viewers into the creative process of various design disciplines by focusing on the work and lives of world-renowned designers. As the title suggests, the series ventures to tangibly define abstract concepts within the design world, as well as how design, an innate part of our everyday lives, impacts society as a whole.

The series brings to life the cerebral, analytical, and philosophical aspects of design as an art form. Consisting of eight episodes in the first season, each features a different designer practicing in varying disciplines which include graphic design, sneaker design, stage design, and architecture, among others. Each episode stands alone as a visually stunning mini-documentary, allowing the audience to cherry pick according to their interests.

By profiling prominent designers in their respective fields, the series explores not just the final product but the intricate process that leads up to it. The designers use their platforms to explain their processes, sharing how they go from idea, to sketch, to prototype, to final product. It is an intimate and often personal journey into the mind of each designer, diving deep into their inspirations, their vision, their trials and errors, and their passionate persistence to realize their ideas.

Some featured designers include Paula Scher, a titan in the graphic design world, who shares her method for creating iconic logos and graphics; Tinker Hatfield, Nike's designer, discusses the process and philosophy behind some of the world's most popular sneakers; Bjarke Ingels, a charismatic architect known for his innovative approach to sustainable architecture, explains his creative process and his big aspirations.

The charm of Abstract: The Art of Design is its humanization of the design process. The series gives faces and voices to the creators of objects that we interact with daily, often without a second thought to their origin. Each episode illuminates the dedication and passion these designers imbue into their design objects and environments, while simultaneously illustrating design's transformative power socially, economically, and culturally.

While encapsulating the essence and importance of design, the series also explores the real-life application of these creative processes in devices, structures, and objects that have shaped the course of human experience and interaction. It brings to the forefront the intrinsic role and ubiquitous presence of design in our day-to-day life.

In terms of the cinematic approach, the series is a visual treat with sleek, polished videography. A combination of traditional interview segments, dynamic location shots,

blueprints, sketches, prototypes, and masterpieces, the production gives equal attention to both the designers and their works. The camera work draws you in by providing unique angles and perspectives that not only inform but also entertain. The series ultimately thrives from its ability to oscillate between extreme close-ups of the design process to wide-angle landscape shots of the finished products in their surroundings. Furthermore, the overall aesthetic tone of the series appeals to design enthusiasts and novices alike, providing an enriching and engaging viewing experience.

Each episode in the series is around an hour in length, giving ample time to explore each designer's personality and philosophy. The carefully crafted narratives provide the viewer with a comprehensive understanding of these designers' methodologies and the essence of their work.

Abstract: The Art of Design laudably achieves its aim of demystifying and shedding light on the design industry's multifaceted, omnipresent, and impactful nature. It's a journey into the art and science behind some of the world's most iconic designs, wrapping up with a newfound respect for the design process and the designers.

A must-watch for anyone interested in design, ideas, innovation, and creativity; the series enthralls, educates, and inspires. The show underscores the fact that design ultimately lies in the journey - a journey that starts with a simple idea and becomes a reality through creative problem-solving, stunning imagination, and rigorous execution. It reinforces the message that design is not just about aesthetics, but about function, utility, emotion, and human experience. The series is a fascinating exploration into the world of design where art and science coalesce to shape our world - a world imagined, designed, and constructed by passionate minds.