Short answer
Designers should actively engage with the social and political implications of their work, using their skills to challenge exclusionary systems and create more equitable and inclusive environments.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (2020)
- Method
- Qualitative research, critical analysis, theoretical exploration
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Design can actively shape the perception and experience of borders, transforming them from barriers into spaces for dialogue and inclusion. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2020 study published in Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS). Using Qualitative research, critical analysis, theoretical exploration, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should actively engage with the social and political implications of their work, using their skills to challenge exclusionary systems and create more equitable and inclusive environments.
Design as a Tool for Social Inclusion and Border Negotiation
Design can actively shape the perception and experience of borders, transforming them from barriers into spaces for dialogue and inclusion.
Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) · 2020
Key Findings
- 01Borders are not just physical but are socially and politically constructed, influencing human interaction and belonging.
- 02Design can be a powerful tool to challenge exclusionary practices and create more inclusive environments.
- 03Reimagining spaces and relationships through design can lead to a radical politics of place that embraces solidarity.
Application
Design takeaway
Designers should actively engage with the social and political implications of their work, using their skills to challenge exclusionary systems and create more equitable and inclusive environments.
How to apply
When designing public spaces, community initiatives, or educational programs, consider how the design can actively promote interaction and understanding between diverse groups, rather than inadvertently reinforcing divisions.
Project actions
- 01Consider how your design project can address social issues or inequalities.
- 02Think about the 'borders' your design might be creating or breaking down, whether physical, social, or conceptual.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Offers a novel perspective on the role of design in addressing complex socio-political issues.
- +Encourages critical reflection on the construction of borders and social divisions.
Limitations
The theoretical nature of the research means that practical implementation of these ideas would require further empirical investigation and adaptation to specific contexts.
Reliability & validity
The research's validity lies in its critical theoretical framework and its ability to provoke thought on complex social issues. Reliability is less applicable as it's not an empirical study with repeatable quantitative measures.
Think critically
To what extent can design alone overcome deeply entrenched political and institutional barriers to social inclusion?
Design Principles
"Design for deconstruction and reconstruction of social boundaries."
This research suggests that design interventions can move beyond purely functional or aesthetic considerations to address complex socio-political issues. By reframing how spaces and interactions are designed, designers can influence how individuals, particularly marginalized groups like refugees, are perceived and integrated into society, thereby challenging existing societal divisions.
What This Means for Your Design
This research shows that design isn't just about making things look good; it can be used to change how people treat each other and to break down barriers between groups, like refugees and the wider community.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this research when discussing the social impact of design or when exploring how design can be used for advocacy or social change.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research by Kolar Aparna (2020) highlights how design can be a powerful force in deconstructing socio-political borders and fostering inclusion. By reframing spaces and interactions, design can challenge exclusionary practices and promote solidarity, suggesting that designers have a critical role to play in addressing societal divisions and advocating for marginalized groups.
Source
Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS)
Enacting Asylum University: Politics of Research Encounters and (Re)Producing Borders in Asylum Relations
journal · 2020
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about design as a tool for social inclusion and border negotiation?
- Designers should actively engage with the social and political implications of their work, using their skills to challenge exclusionary systems and create more equitable and inclusive environments. Evidence: Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (2020).
- Why does "Design as a Tool for Social Inclusion and Border Negotiation" matter for design?
- This research suggests that design interventions can move beyond purely functional or aesthetic considerations to address complex socio-political issues. By reframing how spaces and interactions are designed, designers can influence how individuals, particularly marginalized groups like refugees, are perceived and integrated into society, thereby challenging existing societal divisions.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers should actively engage with the social and political implications of their work, using their skills to challenge exclusionary systems and create more equitable and inclusive environments.
- What were the main findings?
- Borders are not just physical but are socially and politically constructed, influencing human interaction and belonging.. Design can be a powerful tool to challenge exclusionary practices and create more inclusive environments.. Reimagining spaces and relationships through design can lead to a radical politics of place that embraces solidarity.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative research, critical analysis, theoretical exploration.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2020 journal from Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing public spaces, community initiatives, or educational programs, consider how the design can actively promote interaction and understanding between diverse groups, rather than inadvertently reinforcing divisions.
- What are the limitations?
- The research is primarily theoretical and conceptual, with limited empirical testing of specific design interventions.