Abstract
Empathy, which gives its name to the first stage in the now-ubiquitous Ideo model of “Design Thinking”, has been described as an essential element in contemporary design and one of the most powerful tools designers can offer. In this paper, we question empathy’s privileged position and exaggerated claims and suggest that the concept of care may offer a humbler and more liberating way for designers to frame their relationship with – and responsibilities to – those for whom and with whom they design. Understanding design as a caring practice may also have significant implications for design for sustainability, the revaluation of craft and even design futuring.
Presenters
Sally ClokeDesign Research, PDR, Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom Mark Roxburgh
University of Newcastle Benjamin Matthews
Lecturer, School of Creative Industries, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Design Management and Professional Practice
KEYWORDS
Design Thinking, Empathy, Care, Human-Centred Design, Futuring, Sustainability
