Theories

The hyperreality theory by French cultural theorist Jean Baudrillard,was explained in his book Simulations and Simulacra. "Medias represent reality and in doing so change it to make it more visual and fun." (Baudrillard, 1983) The hypothetical inability for a viewer to distinguish reality from fantasy in design – which is known as the term ‘Hyperreality’ in the field of Semiotics (the study of signs and sign processes)

A brief description about hyperreality.

French philosopher Jean-Francois Lyotard criticizes so-called postmodern movements that blend neo- and hyper-realistic themes with ―lyrically abstract of conceptual ones on a single surface‖ because it implies ―everything is equal because everything is easy to consume.‖ Maybe because everything is ―easy to consume‖ by the viewers which are why artists are using this theory in their designs? A visual depiction of an object that is understandable universally would be in more favor by the audience. 

Postmodern artists are always rejecting the notion of clean and minimalist design. They are always experimenting with different mediums and styles. Postmodern artists such as Terry Jones and David Carson often does hyperreality designs that are not visually aesthetically pleasing. 

During the reasearch it was noticed that hyperreality is actually around us like the User Experience and User Interface (UX/UI) designs. Skeuomorphism refers to digital designs designed to look like something real in the physical world. Wooden shelves used in apps for reading e-books, toggle switches for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth designed as light switches, the post it note that you use on your desktop to make quick reminders are great examples of skeuomorphism. Although this has nothing to do with graphic designs but it is a really intresting way to look at how hyperreality works around us.

Skeuomorphic buttons on audio recording app.

References

Broadwater, T. (2013). Semiotic Hyperreality and its Effect on Design – Tim Broadwater. [online] Timbroadwater.com. Available at: http://timbroadwater.com/2013/07/semiotic-hyperreality-and-its-effect-on-design/ [Accessed 2 Jul. 2016].

Garza, D. (2013). Death of skeuomorphism and the future of design | Chapter Three. [online] Chapterthree.com. Available at: https://www.chapterthree.com/blog/death-of-skeuomorphism-and-future-of-design [Accessed 2 Jul. 2016].

Post Modernism? - Visuals. (2011). [Blog] Post Modernism Graphic Styles. Available at: http://postmodernismgraphicstyles.blogspot.my/ [Accessed 28 Jul. 2016].

AllAboutWorldview.org. (n.d.). Postmodern Philosophy. [online] Available at: http://www.allaboutworldview.org/postmodern-philosophy.htm [Accessed 2 Jul. 2016].