Activism as a Role in Visual Communication
Faculty Sponsor
Karen Gutowsky-Zimmerman, Seattle Pacific University
Research Project Abstract
Designer as author is now commonplace in the field of Graphic Design. Often design authorship is synonymous with social activism. However, using the origination of authorship is not necessarily activism in that it intentionally seeks out social change. Our project proposes that current methods of design research may not be adequate for the type of interaction that leads to social activism. Designers often use instruction, craft or promotion to incorporate activities of social concern. Our research sought out other disciplines and incorporated these processes and methods of investigation into theories of participatory design. Using the new framework of research and theories from participatory design, students created an interaction that addresses cultural awareness. This presentation is a case study of how designers can use research and participatory design as tools for social activism.
Session Number
RS8
Location
Robinson 229
Abstract Number
RS8-b
Activism as a Role in Visual Communication
Robinson 229
Designer as author is now commonplace in the field of Graphic Design. Often design authorship is synonymous with social activism. However, using the origination of authorship is not necessarily activism in that it intentionally seeks out social change. Our project proposes that current methods of design research may not be adequate for the type of interaction that leads to social activism. Designers often use instruction, craft or promotion to incorporate activities of social concern. Our research sought out other disciplines and incorporated these processes and methods of investigation into theories of participatory design. Using the new framework of research and theories from participatory design, students created an interaction that addresses cultural awareness. This presentation is a case study of how designers can use research and participatory design as tools for social activism.
