Design and the Social Imagination

Design and the Social Imagination combines the creative, action-oriented sensibility of design with the reflective, analytical capacities of the social sciences to offer models, ideas, and strategies for shaping the future of the world we live in. It illustrates how thoughtful design can contribute to a more productive way of intervening in the crises we face today, drawing on theory and practice from radical social thinkers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Design professions have traditionally been associated with intervention and action, while social science has long been associated with thought and reflection. Design and social thought are often considered distinct in terms of how theories can be applied in practice.

Design and the Social Imagination brings together the creative, action-oriented sensibility of design with the reflective, analytical capacities of the social sciences to offer models, ideas, and strategies for shaping the future of the world we live in. In a world of global economic inequality, racism, and environmental degradation, designing with an understanding of our social reality is increasingly crucial to our survival. Matthew DelSesto explores current practices and discourses in areas of urban design, design for social innovation, environmental design, co-design, service design, and more, illustrating how thoughtful design can contribute in a more productive way. Drawing on a range of theory and practice from radical social thinkers such as C. Wright Mills, Patrick Geddes, Jane Addams, and W.E.B. Du Bois, his book shows us how design and the social sciences can interact to intervene in the crises we face today.

The book explores how design and the social sciences can collaborate to address the social, political, and ecological challenges that confront us and build more sustainable communities. It highlights the importance of designing with an understanding of our social reality, and provides examples of how thoughtful design can contribute to positive social change. DelSesto argues that design and the social sciences can complement each other in addressing complex problems, and that by working together, we can create more equitable, sustainable, and just societies.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of design in shaping our social and political institutions. DelSesto argues that design can be used to create more inclusive and democratic spaces, such as public parks and community centers, that promote social interaction and engagement. He also suggests that design can be used to create more effective and efficient systems of government and administration that prioritize the needs of citizens and the environment.

Another theme of the book is the role of design in addressing environmental challenges. DelSesto argues that design can be used to create more sustainable and environmentally friendly products and systems, such as renewable energy technologies and sustainable transportation systems. He also suggests that design can be used to create more effective and sustainable urban planning and design practices that promote walkability, bikeability, and public transportation.

In addition to these themes, the book also explores the role of design in promoting social innovation and entrepreneurship. DelSesto argues that design can be used to create new business models and products that address social and environmental challenges, and that design can be used to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in communities that have been historically marginalized.

Overall, Design and the Social Imagination is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the intersection of design, social science, and social change. It provides a comprehensive and thoughtful exploration of the ways in which design can be used to address complex social, political, and ecological challenges and build more sustainable and just communities. By combining the creative, action-oriented sensibility of design with the reflective, analytical capacities of the social sciences, the book offers a new perspective on the potential of design to shape the future of the world we live in.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350242944