Abstract
Graphic design, as a discipline, has continually evolved to meet the shifting needs of clients and industries. While its application in large-scale projects is well-documented, there is limited literature on smaller-scale graphic design projects, particularly in geographically isolated regions such as Perth, Western Australia. In Perth, graphic designers are often hired to produce artefact-driven outputs like websites, business cards, or brochures. The broader strategic value of graphic design skills tends to go underappreciated. Additionally, holistic, human-centred design methodologies, such as service design, are perceived as more valuable yet are frequently seen as complex and lacking clear frameworks for application. This research investigates how holistic, human-centred design processes can be applied to small-scale graphic design projects typical of Perth. It also explores the potential for graphic designers to move beyond artefact creation to embrace more integrated, systemic approaches. The findings indicate that increasing complexity in project problems requires contemporary methodologies such as design thinking and service design, which engage human-centred approaches. However, Perth-based designers face challenges in adopting these methods because they are often poorly defined and difficult to explain to non-designers. Tools such as the double diamond framework, while useful, can also be problematic if followed too rigidly. This study argues that designers struggle to communicate the value of holistic methodologies to clients, underscoring the need for clearer, more adaptable design processes in Perth’s small-scale project landscape.
