Short answer

Consider how the design of an interaction space might facilitate or inhibit the performance of various social identities, and how this might affect user experience and perceived success.

Field: Classic Design
Source: Pragmatics Quarterly Publication of the International Pragmatics Association (IPrA) (2015)
Method: Discourse analysis of recorded performances.
Evidence: Moderate effect

The performance of racial identity, particularly 'whiteness,' can be intentionally constructed and manipulated within interactive design spaces like MC battles to influence audience perception and outcomes. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in Pragmatics Quarterly Publication of the International Pragmatics Association (IPrA). Using Discourse analysis of recorded performances., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Consider how the design of an interaction space might facilitate or inhibit the performance of various social identities, and how this might affect user experience and perceived success.

Study

Classic DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Racial Identity as a Design Element in Performance Spaces

Pragmatics Quarterly Publication of the International Pragmatics Association (IPrA) · 2015

Key Findings

01The White contestant linguistically marked his 'whiteness' by overemphasizing certain pronunciations and avoiding Black ingroup linguistic forms.
02Opponents constructed the White contestant's 'whiteness' discursively by referencing White cultural touchstones and actors.
03The performance of racial identity was integral to the social dynamics and audience reception within the MC battle.

Application

Design takeaway

Consider how the design of an interaction space might facilitate or inhibit the performance of various social identities, and how this might affect user experience and perceived success.

How to apply

When designing user interfaces or interactive experiences, consider how visual cues, language options, and interaction flows might be interpreted through the lens of different social identities.

Project actions

01When analyzing user interactions, look for instances where users might be performing or emphasizing certain aspects of their identity.
02Consider how the design of your project might influence or be influenced by the social identities of the users.

Method & Evidence

AimHow do participants in an MC battle co-construct racial identity, specifically 'whiteness,' through linguistic and discursive strategies, and how does this influence the performance and outcome?

MethodDiscourse analysis of recorded performances.

ProcedureThe researcher analyzed video clips of an MC battle, focusing on the linguistic choices and verbal references made by a White contestant and his African American opponents. The analysis employed the framework of interactional sociolinguistics to identify how racial identities were marked and constructed through dialogue.

ContextHip-hop MC battles (televised performance)

Variables

IV["Linguistic strategies (e.g., pronunciation, avoidance of ingroup forms)","Discursive references (e.g., cultural touchstones, actor allusions)"]

DV["Construction of 'whiteness'","Audience reception/outcome of the battle"]

CV["Context of an MC battle","Specific contestants involved"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Applies a rigorous sociolinguistic framework to analyze a specific cultural performance.
+Provides concrete examples of how identity is discursively constructed.

Limitations

The specific linguistic markers and cultural references analyzed are context-dependent and may not apply universally. The subjective nature of interpreting 'performance' and 'identity' can be a limitation.

Reliability & validity

Reliability could be enhanced by having multiple researchers independently code the discourse for identity markers. Validity is supported by the use of established sociolinguistic frameworks, but the interpretation of specific instances remains somewhat subjective.

Think critically

To what extent can designers control or influence the performance of identity within their designed spaces, and what are the ethical implications of doing so?

Design Principles

"Design spaces should acknowledge and account for the performative nature of identity, allowing for diverse self-expression while maintaining equitable interaction."

Understanding how participants in a design project, whether users or creators, perform and perceive identity is crucial for designing inclusive and effective experiences. This research highlights that even in seemingly informal or artistic contexts, deeply ingrained social constructs like race can become active elements in the design of interaction.

What This Means for Your Design

In performance-based interactions, like rap battles, people can intentionally use language and references to show what race they are or want to be seen as, and this affects how the audience reacts.

How to use in your project

1.Use this research to support arguments about how user identity can be a factor in the success or failure of a design, especially in contexts involving performance or social interaction.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

Research by Cutler (2015) on MC battles demonstrates that participants actively construct racial identities through linguistic and discursive strategies. This highlights how social constructs can become integral elements within interactive design spaces, influencing audience perception and outcomes. Designers should consider how their projects might facilitate or inhibit such identity performances, leading to more inclusive and effective user experiences.

Source

Pragmatics Quarterly Publication of the International Pragmatics Association (IPrA)

The co-construction of whiteness in an MC battle

journal · 2015

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about racial identity as a design element in performance spaces?: Consider how the design of an interaction space might facilitate or inhibit the performance of various social identities, and how this might affect user experience and perceived success. Evidence: Pragmatics Quarterly Publication of the International Pragmatics Association (IPrA) (2015).
Why does "Racial Identity as a Design Element in Performance Spaces" matter for design?: Understanding how participants in a design project, whether users or creators, perform and perceive identity is crucial for designing inclusive and effective experiences. This research highlights that even in seemingly informal or artistic contexts, deeply ingrained social constructs like race can become active elements in the design of interaction.
How can designers apply this research?: Consider how the design of an interaction space might facilitate or inhibit the performance of various social identities, and how this might affect user experience and perceived success.
What were the main findings?: The White contestant linguistically marked his 'whiteness' by overemphasizing certain pronunciations and avoiding Black ingroup linguistic forms.. Opponents constructed the White contestant's 'whiteness' discursively by referencing White cultural touchstones and actors.. The performance of racial identity was integral to the social dynamics and audience reception within the MC battle.
What research method was used?: Discourse analysis of recorded performances..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2015 journal from Pragmatics Quarterly Publication of the International Pragmatics Association (IPrA).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing user interfaces or interactive experiences, consider how visual cues, language options, and interaction flows might be interpreted through the lens of different social identities.
What are the limitations?: The analysis is based on a limited number of battle clips and specific contestants, and the findings may not be generalizable to all MC battles or performance contexts. The interpretation of linguistic cues is subjective.