An Exploration of Some Aspects to Consider When Opening Futures

DS 116: Proceedings of the DESIGN2022 17th International Design Conference

Year: 2022
Editor: Mario Štorga, Stanko Škec, Tomislav Martinec, Dorian Marjanović
Author: Isaac Arturo Ortega Alvarado
Series: DESIGN
Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
Section: Industrial Design
Page(s): 2147-2154
DOI number: https://doi.org/10.1017/pds.2022.217
ISSN: 2732-527X (Online)

Abstract

This paper follows the form of an essay, it offers a narrative review inquiring conceptually about opening futures. The main research question is: What concepts could help elucidate the new position of designers when futures are open? Four branches of literature from design are addressed, considering their core approaches: participation, infrastructures, systems thinking, and narratives. Focus on these four approaches could lead to profound discussions about what it means to open futures and the current relevance of expert design.

Keywords: complex systems, collaborative design, designer's skills, participatory design