Critical design methods and thinking is gaining increasing interest during design of artefacts, applied mainly by interaction designers in order to create designs that cause reflections (on roles, norms, values, practices, cultures). It forces reflection among the users of the artefacts, since the artefact is aimed to provoke, and to support visions of alternative realities, other ways of being and living. However, ways to create such provocations, reflections and visions among the professionals (designers, researchers and practitioners) is not explored as much. If considering critical design rather as a position than an approach for design, how can we support reflection among us as professionals? Thereby, enable usage of critical design in our profession? These, and related questions, will be reflected upon and discussed during the workshop.
Critical Design and the Creation of Alternative Visions. Workshop: 15 June 2014