Lectures on
Design

Can design comment on the global climate crisis? And what does design have to say about the connection between war and politics?

Critical design challenges conventional design perspectives and is a powerful visual-material commentator on reality. This lecture will explore its role in mirroring societal, cultural, and ethical dimensions.

Can craft serve as a tool for feminist expression? And how do art, activism, and feminism intersect?

Craftivism, a blend of craft and activism, challenges traditional notions of both craft and activism. It is a potent tactile-visual medium for expressing and advocating feminist ideals. This lecture will delve into its role in reflecting and influencing societal, cultural, and gender-related norms.

Can product semantics provide a deeper understanding of our relationship with objects? And what does it reveal about the interaction between human psychology and product design?
Product semantics, a study of the symbolic qualities of design is a compelling visual-functional medium for interpreting and shaping our interaction with products. This lecture will examine its role in reflecting and influencing societal, cultural, and psychological aspects.

Does design inadvertently contribute to gender bias? And in what ways do gender stereotypes permeate through design?

Gender bias in design can be overt, but it can also be subtle and nuanced. This lecture will delve into both aspects, as we scrutinize the role of gender product semantics in perpetuating stereotypical gender norms.

Can design serve as a catalyst for envisioning future scenarios that question our present perceptions of the world? How can design stimulate contemplation on prospective futures?

Speculative design, as a visual-material forecaster of potential realities, serves as a critical tool for addressing anticipated future needs or challenges. This lecture will delve into how it provokes discourse on the kind of future we aspire to inhabit.

Can everyday objects take centre stage in poetry? And how does this manifestation can inspire designers? 
Object Poetry, as a genre, serves as a powerful medium for expressing the inherent symbolism and narratives of everyday life. This lecture will explore how simple objects become the protagonists of poems, carrying with them a world of meanings and interpretations, and how their poetic manifestations can ignite a spark of inspiration for design practitioners.