Critical Design
Futuring
Definition
Similar to speculative design, critical design sets out to challenge norms and assumptions. However, critical design does not seek to solve any real problems or be functional. the aim is to be provocative. To create something that makes people stop and think about their preconceived notions.
“Large-scale speculative design contests “official reality”; it is a form of dissent expressed through alternative design proposals. It aims to be inspirational, infectious, and catalytic, zooming out and stepping back to address values and ethics. It strives to overcome the invisible wall separating dreams and imagination from everyday life, blurring distinctions between the “real” real and the “unreal” real. ”
— Dunne and Raby Speculative Everything Pg 160
Procedure
Preparation
Find the point that you want to impart.
Chose your medium of communication.
Creating
The purpose of creating a critical design is that people need to be able to understand why it matters. Make sure that your design is outlandish enough that people don’t think that its just a really bad design, but a confrontational piece.
Presenting
When presenting your critical design make sure that you explain the purpose of the product and why you created it.
It is always helpful to have an artifact that people can actually use and experience so that your point is more memorable.
Lastly make sure that you explain what you want people to take away from your critique. Offer actionable steps as to what people can do to next.
Analysis
It is often helpful to get exit surveys to see what people liked and didn’t like after viewing your design. You can also do real time interviews with people as they are experiencing your design and see if they agree with your message and approach and how they would do it differently.
Use Case
While researching the waste management procedures of the Eskenazi museum of art me and my teammates created a critical design to show how art can be held in such a high regard, but if it tainted by the presence of poor waste management, then we are not living up to the virtues the art is meant to instill.
Strengths
Critical designs can be very successful at grabbing attention because often times they are an offense to peoples sensibilities. This is why I chose Duchamp as my artist of comparison, his art was once considered offensive and is now collection worthy.
This offense is often good for causing self reflection.
Weaknesses
Often times unless explained very clearly the point of critical design can be lost and people can mistake it for some sort of shock art piece.
