Should I do this work?
Designers can analyze our role in (re)producing hierarchies based on human difference. Across its history, design has been complicit in constructing systems of power and oppression that exploit the many to serve the few. The structural inequities supported by design are rooted in capitalism. Designers can interrogate what we support through our work and how we can be advocates for just and compassionate outcomes. Practicing design with degrowth in mind can aid in disrupting harmful systems of power (re)generated by capitalism. This decision tree covers starting points to cultivate this approach to design work.
A DEGROWTH APPROACH TO DESIGN WORK
This flowchart was designed to be displayed at human scale, 86 inches across and 44 inches high.
Degrowth critiques the adverse effects of capitalism on ecosystems and human lives globally. Ecological and social impacts are recentered in design processes when degrowth practices are incorporated. This detail of the decision tree highlights the accessibility implications.
Advocating for changes in design methodologies underscores the potential for meaningful change towards a more ecologically friendly and equitable society. From rethinking materials and labor practices to fostering inclusive community engagement, the integration of degrowth principles into design work presents an opportunity to disrupt the status quo.
Being in a position to turn down work is an incredible privilege. Most designers do not have the luxury of saying “no” to paying gigs even if the work is ethically questionable. This is the reality of being in the working class under capitalism. Let’s create a world in which designers can work to promote healthy environments and human flourishing.
This project was originally part of my MFA thesis exhibition elucidating the core tenets of degrowth. Here is the decision tree on display at full scale, 44 inches high and 86 inches across.