New DESIGNABILITIES issue: Design Discomfort

DESIGNABILITIES #06 is available now. The themed issue ‘Design Discomfort’ addresses the tension between comfort and discomfort in the context of design processes. It opens with the consideration that comfort provides stability and security, while discomfort harbours challenges, but at the same time plays an important role in exploration, use and reflection. Discomfort motivates us to recognise problems, ask questions and seek solutions. This dynamic between the two poles is described as a key driver for any, for instance social developments.

The publication takes up the idea that discomfort is a productive force that enables progress in various areas – from science and technology to social structures and design. Discomfort is understood as an indicator of inconsistencies or deficits that provides the impetus for change. It calls for existing assumptions to be scrutinised and new perspectives to be developed. Particularly in design, discomfort can be used in a targeted way to evoke emotional reactions that encourage critical reflection. Examples from ‘critical’ and ‘speculative design’ show how designers deliberately create discomfort in order to visualise alternatives and influence actions.

The (German) issue also analyses how design influences existing power structures and what responsibility designers bear when they intervene in social processes. Some chapters deal with complexity, as well as alternative learning methods and their significance for design practice. For example, urban walks are described as a method for analysing public space, where unplanned experiences provide valuable insights into social needs.

Special attention is also paid to the social and digital dynamics that are influenced by design and media. For example, the influence of social media on people’s perception and interaction is analysed. Likes and clicks on social networks are seen as signals of social status, with influencers and so-called creators acting as digital leaders.

‘Design Discomfort’ also collects contributions that deal with symbols in social movements and the use of satire in design. It shows how satire can be used as a critical method to question social structures and stimulate reflection on technological and social developments.

Contributions by John Bingham-Hall, Wim Cuyvers, Moniek Wiese, Klaus Schwarzfischer, Kira Pawlewski, Tom Bieling. Click here to read the online version!