Download the course outline (pdf)
COURSE SYNOPSIS
Anthropology can be defined as the study of similarities and differences between peoples of the world, or all the ways we make sense of ourselves, each other and the places in which we live, work and play. People everywhere live by believing, saying, doing and making particular things, and anthropologists try to understand how and why some things are included and others excluded. As designers work for—and with—a wide range of people around the world, the knowledge and skills of anthropology can be seen as increasingly relevant to a situated and adaptable practice. DSDN 283 will explore how design both shapes, and is shaped by, people’s cultural values and social practices.
AIMS OF THE COURSE
Building on students’ previous studies of discursive, visual and material culture, DSDN 283 will introduce students to major themes from anthropology and their relevance to the practice of design. The primary aims of this course are enhanced awareness of, and appreciation for, the social and cultural contexts of design; increased proficiency in creative and critical design research; and improved capacity to communicate the processes and products of design.
COURSE CONTENT
This course’s exploration of design and culture will be framed by a number of scales and contexts, including individuals, social groups and cultures from different locations and points in history. Particular emphasis will be placed on what people believe, say, do and make across space and time. Themes include language and material culture, beliefs and rituals, identities and bodies, and relations between us and others.
In addition to theoretical concepts and cross-cultural examples, students will be introduced to practical research concerns and methods including the ethics of working with people, formulating research questions, doing fieldwork and collecting information, and making sense of observations and experiences. Students will also be exposed to the presentation of design research in the form of written and visual ethnographies, material and performance ethnographies, and ethnographic and design fictions.
A major project, submitted in three parts, will require that students understand and create “cultural probes”—a core method in design research inspired by social and cultural studies. Originally developed by interaction designers at the Royal College of Art in the late 1990s, the methodology of cultural probes continues to be creatively and critically adapted and elaborated by a variety of art, design, social science, computer science and engineering research practitioners.
COURSE DELIVERY
DSDN 283 – Design Anthropology comprises two primary approaches to learning—lectures and tutorials. Weekly lectures take place on Tuesday, and will introduce students to the key topics and ideas of the course. Since lectures will often introduce new concepts, students are encouraged to interject with any questions or comments as they come up. Wednesday tutorials will involve more active learning, and students are expected to fully participate in all individual and group activities and discussions.
Weekly topics, instructions for tutorials, assignments briefs and other important resources and course updates will be posted on the DSDN 283 website, and it is expected that all students regularly check the course website as well as their preferred email for updates and detailed course instructions.