Gestaltung ist Haltung

Chapter 1

Good design is not just about what we design, but also how and why. Together, we explore and define a culture in which good design can thrive. An engagement with the purpose and processes of critical design practice.

What makes up stance?

I am critical and reflective.

I ask questions and challenge my own assumptions. I can justify decisions and know where my blind spots are.

I am creative and hands-on.

I have ideas and make them visible and tangible. I build prototypes, experiment, iterate. Thinking and making belong together.

I am collaborative and resilient.

We help each other. I share my work, even when it’s still rough. I persevere when things get difficult. I learn from mistakes.

I am responsible.

I think about who is affected by my design. I reflect on power, exclusions, consequences. Design is never neutral.

Example

Here’s an example of my own practice: how I try to encode my stance and ambitions.

Mission 1

Make complexity tangible to help people understand.

Mission 2

Curate and cultivate experiences that guide exploration.

Mission 3

Practice design as culture in service of society.