Abstract
Human-centred design has evolved to the point where much of what is considered optimal is projected as a result of the anthropocentric design process itself. To investigate what unexpected and beneficial outcomes might be produced by intentionally equating the needs of humans and nonhumans, a “Mutualistic Design” methodology was created. This paper discusses the process and results of an exhibition guided by this method, and how it encouraged a dialogue for professionals and academics regarding more-than-human and "suboptimal” design principles. Artefacts included in the exhibition were sitting furniture, coffee tables, walls, a piece of literature, and a card game. Each item was created to help designers and non-designers explore what sacrifices and benefits could come from escaping the threshold of “optimal” human-centred design. Additionally, this paper discusses a framework for translating similar methods to other contexts, as well as Mutualistic Design’s place among other related philosophies and practices.
Keywords
design methods; more-than-human design; suboptimal design; exhibition design
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2024.347
Citation
River Jackson, A. (2024) Using a Mutualistic Design Methodology to Exhibit the Benefits of “Suboptimal” Product Design, in Gray, C., Ciliotta Chehade, E., Hekkert, P., Forlano, L., Ciuccarelli, P., Lloyd, P. (eds.), DRS2024: Boston, 23–28 June, Boston, USA. https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2024.347
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Conference Track
Research Paper
Included in
Using a Mutualistic Design Methodology to Exhibit the Benefits of “Suboptimal” Product Design
Human-centred design has evolved to the point where much of what is considered optimal is projected as a result of the anthropocentric design process itself. To investigate what unexpected and beneficial outcomes might be produced by intentionally equating the needs of humans and nonhumans, a “Mutualistic Design” methodology was created. This paper discusses the process and results of an exhibition guided by this method, and how it encouraged a dialogue for professionals and academics regarding more-than-human and "suboptimal” design principles. Artefacts included in the exhibition were sitting furniture, coffee tables, walls, a piece of literature, and a card game. Each item was created to help designers and non-designers explore what sacrifices and benefits could come from escaping the threshold of “optimal” human-centred design. Additionally, this paper discusses a framework for translating similar methods to other contexts, as well as Mutualistic Design’s place among other related philosophies and practices.