Abstract
This paper explores the design of speculative probes as a situated, exploratory, and critical practice for engaging with intimate and stigmatized topics in specific socio-cultural contexts. It examines how designers navigate cultural sensitivities with care, demonstrating how speculative design can foster alternative spaces for dialogue rather than directly confronting taboos. Drawing on a case study in Tunisia, which addresses cultural stigmas around menstruation among young men and women, the paper highlights the importance of narrative-driven and culturally sensitive speculative design in fostering non-judgmental spaces for dialogue and mutual learning, thereby supporting systemic and cultural transformation. This paper advocates for design research practices that are deeply contextualized, and culturally sensitive, demonstrating how speculative design can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable futures.
Keywords
situatedness, narration, care, cultural sensitivity, speculative probes, speculative design, relational design
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/nordes.2025.42
Citation
Akoglu, C., Kinch, S.,and Domke, L.(2025) Designing speculative probes: Narrating menstruation with cultural sensitivity and care, in Brandt, E., Markussen, T., Berglund, E., Julier, G., Linde, P. (eds.), Nordes 2025: Relational Design, 6-8 August, Oslo, Norway. https://doi.org/10.21606/nordes.2025.42
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Conference Track
Exploratory Papers
Included in
Designing speculative probes: Narrating menstruation with cultural sensitivity and care
This paper explores the design of speculative probes as a situated, exploratory, and critical practice for engaging with intimate and stigmatized topics in specific socio-cultural contexts. It examines how designers navigate cultural sensitivities with care, demonstrating how speculative design can foster alternative spaces for dialogue rather than directly confronting taboos. Drawing on a case study in Tunisia, which addresses cultural stigmas around menstruation among young men and women, the paper highlights the importance of narrative-driven and culturally sensitive speculative design in fostering non-judgmental spaces for dialogue and mutual learning, thereby supporting systemic and cultural transformation. This paper advocates for design research practices that are deeply contextualized, and culturally sensitive, demonstrating how speculative design can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable futures.