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DRS Theme-Track | Bilbao 2022

Context & Background

The Center for Design (CfD) at Northeastern University (NU) is (1) a platform for interdisciplinary design research, (2) a space for collaborative research activities, and (3) a hub for connecting the actors of the design ecosystem, within NU, in the Boston area, and beyond.

The CfD has a commitment to sharing knowledge and (research) practices, shaping common tools and methods, and strengthening a unified disciplinary ground. The CfD was founded in late 2019 and launched in January 2020 - right before the COVID-19 pandemic exploded. We’re now in the phase of shaping and grounding the CfD’s research agenda and what we are learning from this unprecedented phenomenon should be part of our foundations.

In this perspective, we started a conversation with different players about the present and the future of design with complex issues to tackle such as the current pandemic, climate change, and the rise of AI-based platforms. We found a strong convergence around the importance of thinking holistically and embracing a systemic approach when thinking and acting through design (something NU design education is rooted in through courses as Design Systems, originated in 2006 by Professor Nathan Felde, and adjunct faculty such as Professor of the Practice Hugh Dubberly) together with a shared sense of the urgency of (re)stating it, now.

Designing for Networks of Human and Non-Human Actors.

(re)sta(r)ting.

The movement towards a new frame, status, and role for design in society - where system thinking and meta-design are central - is not new. The ongoing pandemic and the concurrent acceleration of the digital transformation and the diffusion of AI-based and data-intensive solutions increased the sense of urgency for re-framing/re-thinking/redesigning design in that perspective.

We want to waive - and build upon - the existing and ongoing conversations, initiatives, movements, networks, platforms, and works that aim at re-framing design through metadesign, systems thinking, and systemic design approaches, to kick-off a shared conversation and concerted actions. The first gathering will take place on July 15th at noon (EDT) for an informal conversation around the following questions:

Is Design too centered on humans? How to design for human + non-human actors? What are the boundaries of a system in systemic design? What is the role of proximity (locality?) in global systems? What about diversity and plurality in systemic design? How meta-design relates to system thinking and systemic design? ...

An initiative of the Center for Design at Northeastern University - College of Arts, Media and Design, endorsed by the Design Research Society

https://www.designresearchsociety.org/cpages/home