The problem of De-sign as conjuring: Empowerment-in-use and the politics of seams

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Abstract

In this paper, I articulate a critique of design as conjuring (design as de-sign) and I argue that it is incompatible with the idea of user empowerment. In particular, I discuss the idea of empowerment-in-use and I highlight the role of design seams and scars in supporting it through appropriation and design-after-design. To support this argument, I draw on some recent contributions in Participatory Design (PD), Human Computer Interaction (HCI), New Media Studies, and Science and Technology Studies (STS), and I discuss three illustrative case studies from the area of digital Do-it-Yourself (DIY). I argue that restoring the sign in de-sign through design seams and scars can be a way to explore different forms and perhaps deeper levels of critical engagement and participation supporting empowerment.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 18th International Software Product Line Conference
Subtitle of host publicationCompanion Volume for Workshops, Demonstrations and Tools
EditorsDeepak Dhungana, Stefania Gnesi, Julia Rubin, Krzysztof Czarnecki, Patrick Heymans, Alessandro Fantechi
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
Pages161-170
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9781450327404
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Sep 2014
Event13th Participatory Design Conference, PDC 2014 - Windhoek, Namibia
Duration: 6 Oct 201410 Oct 2014

Publication series

NameACM International Conference Proceeding Series
Volume1

Conference

Conference13th Participatory Design Conference, PDC 2014
Country/TerritoryNamibia
CityWindhoek
Period6/10/1410/10/14

Keywords

  • Appropriation
  • Design-after-design
  • DIY
  • Seams and scars
  • User empowerment

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