Design practice and its outcomes are both a product, and producer, of historical, political, social and cultural paradigms. In this course, you will explore both contemporary and historical contexts of design and its technical, aesthetic, cultural and political discourses. You will develop a broadened appreciation for the discipline, its origins and its changing fields.

This course aims to equip you with the foundational knowledge and skills to effectively research and reflect on the inter-contingent nature of design and society through a variety of cultural, social and critical theories and the investigation of contemporary and historical design practices and knowledges. You will develop an approach to design history and theory that will enable the acquisition of a rich theoretical and methodological base from which to conduct an informed and critical practice in design. You will be guided through developing analytical abilities to interpret and articulate how and why design functions within societal contexts, and in doing so will develop your own values and orientations as a designer.

This is a core course in BH104P25 Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours).