Reflections on reflexivity and ethics for relational design and relational design pedagogy

Cook, Robyn ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4265-6716 and Cook, Sue (2019) Reflections on reflexivity and ethics for relational design and relational design pedagogy. In: UNSPECIFIED, Goldsmiths. (Submitted)

Abstract / Summary

Over the last decade, the global field of communication design, and design education in particular, has become increasingly pre-occupied with the notion of ‘relational design’ (Service Design, Design for Social Change, Design for Social Innovation etc.) and its potential to intervene in ‘real-world’ issues. However, while these practices have borrowed easily from research methodologies traditionally associated with social sciences, including emancipatory research and action research, there has been little recognition of their associated ethical rigour of practice.

Using a transdisciplinary approach, this paper draws on social work theory, education and practice to contemplate the use of reflexivity as a potentially generative framework for addressing the various complex ethical problematics associated with relational design research and practice.

View Record (staff only)