10 Good Reasons To Study Design History

As I prepare to teach my next course in Design History at UCLA Extension, I gave some thought to why designers should study the history of graphic design in the first place. Here is my short list:

  1. To build a visual vocabulary and recognize how design elements are used and organized
  2. To learn to see rather than simply look
  3. To acquire good taste
  4. To strengthen one’s communication skills
  5. To become a better designer
  6. To appreciate the past, be inspired in the present and anticipate the future
  7. Because other designers know design history and they’re the competition
  8. To cultivate one’s curiosity
  9. To recognize that design is one of the oldest of human pursuits and is not the result of nor reliant on computer technology
  10. To understand what good design is and why it is important.

What would you add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Alvalyn Lundgren

Alvalyn Lundgren is a creative entrepreneur, podcaster, and author who has been freelancing for more than 40 years. She is the founder of Alvalyn Creative, a strategic creative consultancy focusing on brand strategy, visual design, and illustration for businesses, organizations, and independent authors. She is also the founder of several educational initiatives: Freelance Road Trip, Occuprise Network, and Alvalyn Creative Academy, and teaches part time in professional design programs with UCLA Extension and ArtCenter Extended Studies. She resides in southern California. She is the creator of Freelance Road Trip — a business school and podcast for creative freelancers. She teaches design and design practice in certificate programs and independently. Her new book, "Freelancing By Design: Essential Strategies and Proven Tactics To Build a Thriving Freelance Business From Your Creative Work" releases on July 1, 2026.

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