Changing the World
What do you want to change and why?
Design is an activity of trying to make sense of the world. Humans use design to respond to situations in their surroundings. When we design we alter the world. This altered world in turn creates new situations and therefore influences our design again. This cycle is what drives our constant search for change and improvement.
However, before we can change the world, we have to first understand the world itself. For that, look at how it is represented.
Focus on present and past views, observations and fantasies (→ an example of the past: greek mythologies). Illustrations and paintings are also tools of interpretations or portrayals of the word. Research into ideas that are already being developed. Are they dystopian or utopian? It is important to look at all aspects - both the ugly and the beautiful can help with forming your ideas.
Keep track of institutions that lead the change of the world such as MIT, TED, Notional Geographic etc. What can we learn from them and their observations?
When suggesting an idea of change consider whether it is realistic or possible. For how long will it influence the world? Will it need financing?
Important points:
→ Look into optimising what already exists - is there room for improvement?
→ Remember to consider the people who are being affected by your changes. A western idea is not necessarily the most suitable one for other nations. To avoid such mistakes, designers should work closely with design ethnography.
→ Remember to consider the people who are being affected by your changes. A western idea is not necessarily the most suitable one for other nations. To avoid such mistakes, designers should work closely with design ethnography.
Questions to consider:
What field do I want to have an impact on?
Who do I want to work with? What is my target group?
What inspires me?
What is the value of my proposal?
What are the critical perspectives to the notion of change?
What is my role as a designer?
How do I set my own rules?
How does my idea work towards freedom and emancipation?
→ Designers must also ask themselves whether they should change something? Are we entitled to do so?
Creating alternatives are also a way of having an impact on the world. We don't always have to change what already exists and force the new ideas on others.
→ Designers must also ask themselves whether they should change something? Are we entitled to do so?
Creating alternatives are also a way of having an impact on the world. We don't always have to change what already exists and force the new ideas on others.