JDC Spring-2003 v5 - Editor's Note - New Directions: JDC Editor
New Directions: JDC Editor
Joan McLain-Kark
JDC Editor
jmkark@vt.eduThis spring 2003 issue of JDC reflects changing directions for the journal. As with the last issue, the journal has attracted articles from the graphic designers. In the juried section, Laura Bix and her colleagues at Michigan State University report their research into the effects of color contrast on message legibility. In the same section, Stephanie Watson gives some advice on incorporating learning styles into design education with some practical tips for teachers. Related to learning styles, Jen Bracy discusses the recurring issue of left and right brain theories and how they relate to graphic design in the non-juried section.
Another new direction for the journal is the transition to a new editor this year. After three decades in design practice and academia, I will be retiring July 1. One of the accomplishments of my career I have been most proud of is the creation of the electronic journal, Journal of Design Communication. Formerly the Journal of Computer-Aided Environmental Design and Education (JCAEDE) which was inaugurated by Bob Schubert and myself in 1995, Journal of Design Communication (JDC) has published five issues since 1998. Juried and non-juried articles authored by educators in graphic design, interior design, and architecture discussed a wide variety of research and education topics related to design communication. The publication rate for the juried section has ranged from 20 to 25% or only one out of four to five manuscripts submitted for review was accepted for publication. Besides academic rigor, the journal offers an outlet for international scholars to communicate their work to colleagues throughout the world.
The next editor of JDC has the opportunity to continue this tradition of JDC, providing one of the few outlets for juried publications for design educators. The Digital Library and Archives (DLA) of Virginia Tech continues to support JDC through publishing the journal online as it does many other academic journals. This service has been invaluable for this academic journal as the work of the editor and editorial board is volunteer and receives no monetary support from any organization.
If you are interested in the editor position, please provide me with your electronic vita. This will be circulated to the board for approval. If you know of anyone who is suited for this position, that is, has published articles and worked on editorial boards, please let me know.