Unpacking Dominant Design: A critical analysis of power and dominant discourse in Design

Chopra, Maya and Del Gaudio, Chiara (2023) Unpacking Dominant Design: A critical analysis of power and dominant discourse in Design. In: IASDR 2023: Life-Changing Design, 09 October 2023 - 13 October 2023, Milan, Italy.

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Abstract

This paper discusses how current dominant discourse in Design, which includes knowledge, systems, artifacts, processes, and tools, works to promote reductive forms of identity. It does so by examining how Dominant Design operates and how its practice affirms, reproduces, and circulates structures of oppression. More specifically, the concept of Dominant Design is presented and explained by outlining its relationship with power structures. Then, three principles that characterize and sustain Dominant Design, and reinforce its operations of oppression are described: institutionalization, universalism, and solutionism. These principles show how when we rethink design practices towards social justice, a profound understanding and engagement with power dynamics is key to preventing the reproduction of oppression.