Design Anthropology: Theory and Practice

Description

Design is a key site of cultural production and change in contemporary society. Anthropologists have been involved in design projects for several decades but only recently a new field of inquiry has emerged which aims to integrate the strengths of design thinking and anthropological research. This book is written by anthropologists who actively participate in the development of design anthropology. Comprising both cutting-edge explorations and theoretical reflections, it provides a much-needed introduction to the concepts, methods, practices and challenges of the new field. Design Anthropology moves from observation and interpretation to collaboration, intervention and co-creation. Its practitioners participate in multidisciplinary design teams working towards concrete solutions for problems that are sometimes ill-defined. The authors address the critical potential of design anthropology in a wide range of design activities across the globe and query the impact of design on the discipline of anthropology. This volume will appeal to new and experienced practitioners in the field as well as to students of anthropology, innovation, science and technology studies, and a wide range of design studies focusing on user participation, innovation, and collaborative research. Design Anthropology Theory and Practice Contents List of Illustrations Contributors Preface 1. Design Anthropology: A Distinct Style of Knowing SECTION I: CONCEPTS, METHODS, AND PRACTICES 2. The Social Life of Concepts in Design Anthropology 3. (Trans)forming Knowledge and Design Concepts in the Design Workshop 4. Tools and Movements of Engagement: Design Anthropology’s Style of Knowing SECTION II: THE MATERIALITY OF DESIGN 5. Designing by Doing: Building Bridges in the Highlands of Borneo 6. Anatomical Design: Making and Using Three-dimensional Models of the Human Body 7. Designing Heritage for a Digital Culture SECTION III: THE TEMPORALITY OF DESIGN 8. From Description to Correspondence: Anthropologyin Real Time 9. Conceptions of Innovation and Practice: Designing Indoor Climate 10. Ethnographies of the Possible SECTION IV: THE RELATIONALITY OF DESIGN 11. Generating Publics through Design Activity 12. Bridging Disciplines and Sectors: An Industry-Academic Partnership in Design Anthropology 13. Decolonizing Design Innovation: Design Anthropology, Critical Anthropology, and Indigenous Knowledge 14. Epilogue: Ethnography and Design, Ethnography in Design . . . Ethnography by Design Index