Short answer
Designers should actively question the underlying assumptions of 'progress' and 'innovation' and explore how their work can support decolonisation rather than perpetuate colonial structures.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Strategic Design Research Journal (2018)
- Method
- Critical analysis and theoretical provocation
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Technological advancements, when viewed through a lens of modernity and coloniality, can actively suppress Indigenous peoples' ability to envision and enact decolonised futures. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2018 study published in Strategic Design Research Journal. Using Critical analysis and theoretical provocation, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should actively question the underlying assumptions of 'progress' and 'innovation' and explore how their work can support decolonisation rather than perpetuate colonial structures.
Decolonising Design: Reclaiming Indigenous Futures from Techno-Colonialism
Technological advancements, when viewed through a lens of modernity and coloniality, can actively suppress Indigenous peoples' ability to envision and enact decolonised futures.
Strategic Design Research Journal · 2018
Key Findings
- 01Modernity and coloniality, embedded within technological change, can actively erode Indigenous peoples' capacity to imagine alternative, decolonised futures.
- 02Design approaches that prioritize listening, comprehension, and community-driven mapping are essential for supporting decolonisation.
- 03A critical perspective on technology is needed to understand its role in perpetuating or challenging colonial legacies.
Application
Design takeaway
Designers should actively question the underlying assumptions of 'progress' and 'innovation' and explore how their work can support decolonisation rather than perpetuate colonial structures.
How to apply
When designing for or with Indigenous communities, engage in deep listening, understand the historical context of technology in that community, and co-create solutions that empower their vision for the future.
Project actions
- 01When researching a design project involving a specific cultural group, explore the history of technology's introduction and impact on that group.
- 02Consider how your design might be perceived not just for its function, but for its cultural and historical implications.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a critical theoretical framework for understanding technology's role in colonial legacies.
- +Offers a valuable perspective for designers working in diverse cultural contexts.
Limitations
It can be challenging to fully grasp the nuances of decolonisation without direct engagement and lived experience within the community. The theoretical nature means practical application requires careful adaptation.
Reliability & validity
The validity lies in its theoretical critique and the author's positionality. Reliability in terms of replication is limited due to its qualitative and theoretical nature, but the framework can be applied to other contexts.
Think critically
How can designers ensure that their pursuit of innovation does not inadvertently reinforce existing colonial power structures, especially when working with historically marginalized communities?
Design Principles
"Design for sustainment by respecting and amplifying Indigenous knowledge systems and self-determination."
Understanding the historical and ongoing impact of colonial power structures on technological adoption is crucial for designers. It challenges designers to move beyond a purely functional or aesthetic approach and consider the broader socio-cultural and political implications of their work, particularly in diverse or historically marginalized communities.
What This Means for Your Design
Sometimes, new technology can make it harder for Indigenous people to think about their own future in their own way because of old colonial ideas. Designers need to listen carefully and help them imagine their own futures instead.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this paper when discussing the ethical considerations of technology adoption in your design project, particularly if it involves cultural contexts.
- 2.Use the concept of 'techno-colonialism' to critically analyse existing products or systems.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research by Schultz (2018) critically examines how modernity and coloniality, embedded within technological change, can actively suppress Indigenous peoples' capacity to envision decolonised futures. It argues for design approaches that prioritize listening and comprehension to empower communities in mapping their own situatedness and mobilizing decolonising options for their worlds, challenging designers to consider the socio-political implications of their work beyond mere functionality.
Source
Strategic Design Research Journal
Mapping Indigenous Futures: Decolonising Techno-Colonising Designs
journal · 2018
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about decolonising design: reclaiming indigenous futures from techno-colonialism?
- Designers should actively question the underlying assumptions of 'progress' and 'innovation' and explore how their work can support decolonisation rather than perpetuate colonial structures. Evidence: Strategic Design Research Journal (2018).
- Why does "Decolonising Design: Reclaiming Indigenous Futures from Techno-Colonialism" matter for design?
- Understanding the historical and ongoing impact of colonial power structures on technological adoption is crucial for designers. It challenges designers to move beyond a purely functional or aesthetic approach and consider the broader socio-cultural and political implications of their work, particularly in diverse or historically marginalized communities.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers should actively question the underlying assumptions of 'progress' and 'innovation' and explore how their work can support decolonisation rather than perpetuate colonial structures.
- What were the main findings?
- Modernity and coloniality, embedded within technological change, can actively erode Indigenous peoples' capacity to imagine alternative, decolonised futures.. Design approaches that prioritize listening, comprehension, and community-driven mapping are essential for supporting decolonisation.. A critical perspective on technology is needed to understand its role in perpetuating or challenging colonial legacies.
- What research method was used?
- Critical analysis and theoretical provocation.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2018 journal from Strategic Design Research Journal.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing for or with Indigenous communities, engage in deep listening, understand the historical context of technology in that community, and co-create solutions that empower their vision for the future.
- What are the limitations?
- The paper is theoretical and does not present empirical data from specific design interventions. The focus is primarily on the Aboriginal Australian context, though the principles may have broader applicability.