Over the course of the semester we have considered design in relation to issues of culture, class, gender and sexuality, ethics and sustainability along with a range of design practices and approaches that have explored these issues. In a scholarly manner (eg. referring to at least 8 academic sources – journal articles, book chapters etc) speculate on a ‘dream’ design project for a future you to undertake that addresses an issue you are interested in.
Your research essay (2000 words) needs to address the following:
1. Contextualise an issue:
Identify a social/cultural problem or issue that has interest for you related to culture, class, gender, sexuality, ethics, and social responsibility as it relates to discourses of design. Drawing on sources relevant to design history and theory contextualise and discuss the problem or issue you would like to address.
Example issues:
the gendering of social spaces
the marginal position of a particular group in society
awareness around cultural misappropriation
health and wellbeing
social responsibility for the environment
2. Compare and contrast the approach of at least two other designers in relation to the issue under investigation. Use visual analysis of their work to support your argument – why is their approach to the issue successful/not successful. (Be sure to include the images you refer to).
3. Propose a project that future you would like to undertake to address the issue – think big! Be speculative. Provide a justification as to why you think your approach is appropriate to the issue and will provide a positive outcome, and how would you might measure your success (Include a render of this to communicate your ideas).
4. List of references-
Would it be possible for you to use the attached reading as one of the references? Thank you.
