Monolithic vs. polylithic design cultures? Designers' accounts of professional practices in Sweden and New Zealand Online publication date: Wed, 23-Feb-2022
by Despina Christoforidou; Gudbjörg Erlingsdóttir; Anders Warell
J. of Design Research (JDR), Vol. 19, No. 1/2/3, 2021
Abstract: This comparative study explores breaches to unveil potential blindspots within the social constructs surrounding design practice in Sweden and New Zealand. In-depth interviews with designers in both countries, revealed similarities and differences. The underlying norms and values suggest that the two countries share a similar value-base in relation to the design profession. Designers from both countries described the niche they occupy in terms of what could be called 'in-betweenness'. There are also subtle differences in how designers relate to their professional roles. While designers in New Zealand identify as bricoleurs, designers in Sweden compare themselves to engineers. Furthermore, Sweden appears to be a somewhat monolithic context compared to New Zealand, which seems more polylithic. The proposed approach enables a deeper understanding of potential blindspots in the design field, and the surrounding social construct. Implementing breaches as a lens can be valuable in questioning established truths, and ultimately instigating change.
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