Informal Reading

Addini Jalani, 2022

As designers, we are often designated the role of problem-solvers, communicators, and content creators. However, as outlined in the First Things First manifesto by Ken Garland and signatories, designers only concern themselves with commercial work as it is the one that pays the bills. In the manifesto, designers are implored to use their skills for something that is more worthwhile rather than selling endless consumer products. To offer a solution to those looking for one, the term ‘social design’ is often brought up into the conversation. Social design is understood as a design process that emphasizes on designing to improve and solve issues that affect human livelihood. Thus, the realm of social design explores an alternative route for designers looking to use their skills for something perceived as morally better. However, what is often overlooked are the pitfalls of social design that are clouded by certain idealism and assumptions that it’s for the common good.

This design reader wants to question and critique the current unchallenged structure of social design, from its problematic framework to the unaccounted effects that it has resulted in. Designers shouldn’t uncritically promote for alternative design systems, even if fundamentally social design is rooted in the causes that concern the society. By redefining social design under a more critical lenses, we could gain further insight and also point out opportunities that social design can develop upon.