Short answer
Always question the underlying assumptions and power dynamics embedded in the language used to define a design problem or goal.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Lund University Publications Student Papers (Lund University) (2014)
- Method
- Critical Discourse Analysis
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
The way 'resilience' is discussed and framed by influential bodies can subtly direct design approaches and interventions, potentially embedding specific power dynamics and ideologies. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2014 study published in Lund University Publications Student Papers (Lund University). Using Critical discourse analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Always question the underlying assumptions and power dynamics embedded in the language used to define a design problem or goal.
Resilience Discourse Shapes Design Interventions
The way 'resilience' is discussed and framed by influential bodies can subtly direct design approaches and interventions, potentially embedding specific power dynamics and ideologies.
Lund University Publications Student Papers (Lund University) · 2014
Key Findings
- 01The discourse of resilience is not neutral but is shaped by specific power relations and ideologies.
- 02Language and knowledge within this discourse function as tools of power, guiding populations towards calculated interventions.
- 03Resilience, presented as a normative referent for sustainable change, can mask political interests and bio-power dynamics.
Application
Design takeaway
Always question the underlying assumptions and power dynamics embedded in the language used to define a design problem or goal.
How to apply
When approaching a design project, conduct a 'discourse audit' of the project brief and related documentation to identify potential biases or hidden agendas.
Project actions
- 01When defining your design problem, consider who is defining it and what language they are using.
- 02Look for hidden meanings or assumptions in the project brief or client requests.
- 03Think about how your design solution might be interpreted or used by different groups.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a critical lens for analyzing design problems.
- +Emphasizes the importance of language and ideology in design.
Limitations
It can be challenging to definitively prove the causal link between discourse and design outcomes, and the analysis relies on interpretation.
Reliability & validity
The reliability and validity of Critical Discourse Analysis can be debated, as it relies heavily on interpretation. Triangulation with other methods or multiple analysts can enhance these aspects.
Think critically
To what extent can designers actively subvert or reframe dominant discourses to create more equitable and innovative design outcomes?
Design Principles
"Critically analyze the discourse surrounding a design challenge to uncover hidden assumptions and power structures."
Understanding the underlying discourse around concepts like resilience is crucial for designers. It helps to critically evaluate the assumptions and potential biases embedded in design briefs or project goals, ensuring that solutions are not inadvertently perpetuating unintended power structures or limiting innovation.
What This Means for Your Design
The words we use to describe a problem, like 'resilience', can actually shape how we try to solve it, sometimes in ways we don't even realize, and can give power to certain groups.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify a critical analysis of the problem definition in your design project.
- 2.Explain how your understanding of discourse influenced your design choices.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights how the discourse surrounding concepts like 'resilience' can embed power relations and shape design interventions. By critically analyzing the language used in project briefs and problem definitions, designers can uncover hidden assumptions and ensure their solutions are ethically sound and effectively address user needs, rather than perpetuating unintended ideologies.
Source
Lund University Publications Student Papers (Lund University)
Resilience as Governmentality: The DFID's Discourse of Resilience as a New Field of Power
journal · 2014
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about resilience discourse shapes design interventions?
- Always question the underlying assumptions and power dynamics embedded in the language used to define a design problem or goal. Evidence: Lund University Publications Student Papers (Lund University) (2014).
- Why does "Resilience Discourse Shapes Design Interventions" matter for design?
- Understanding the underlying discourse around concepts like resilience is crucial for designers. It helps to critically evaluate the assumptions and potential biases embedded in design briefs or project goals, ensuring that solutions are not inadvertently perpetuating unintended power structures or limiting innovation.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Always question the underlying assumptions and power dynamics embedded in the language used to define a design problem or goal.
- What were the main findings?
- The discourse of resilience is not neutral but is shaped by specific power relations and ideologies.. Language and knowledge within this discourse function as tools of power, guiding populations towards calculated interventions.. Resilience, presented as a normative referent for sustainable change, can mask political interests and bio-power dynamics.
- What research method was used?
- Critical Discourse Analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2014 journal from Lund University Publications Student Papers (Lund University).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When approaching a design project, conduct a 'discourse audit' of the project brief and related documentation to identify potential biases or hidden agendas.
- What are the limitations?
- The analysis is focused on a specific organization (DFID) and a particular discourse (resilience), and may not be generalizable to all contexts or concepts.