History and Theory in Design Anthropology

Aims and objectives

This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of the “great debates” in the conceptual histories of anthropology and design. The unit starts from today’s ‘post-colonial’ design anthropology and the distinct trajectories of Danish and United States approaches, then investigates the field’s historical antecedents in ‘colonial’ design anthropology in which theories of structuralism and functionalism combined with practices of designing to categorize and control peoples and cultures.

After completing this unit of study students should be able to:
· Articulate the history of Design Anthropology as a hybrid field between academic anthropology and design practice
· Trace the development and evolution of design anthropology in Denmark
· Trace the development and evolution of design anthropology in the United States
· Explore the ethical responsibilities of designing for and with people and the environment
· Map an individual approach to design anthropology
· Appreciate the conceptual problems of nature vs. nurture, evolution, internal-external, social facts or emergent properties in design and anthropology.

Teaching methods

This unit is delivered through lecture and tutorial face-to-face and/or online. It includes group discussions, site visits, demonstrations and critiques.

Assessment

Generic skills outcomes

Given the importance of human understanding to design strategy and innovation, HDG651 History and Theory of Design Anthropology produces students with the following Graduate Attributes:
· Adaptable and able to manage change
· Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. socio-cultural, economic, natural)
· Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community

HDG651 History and Theory of Design Anthropology provides students with the following Key Generic Skills:
· Analysis skills
· Problem solving skills
· Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
· Ability to work independently

Content

The unit explores the following themes:
· Early Encounters of the Design and Anthropology Fields
· Contemporary Consumer Culture
· Evolution of Design Anthropology in Denmark
· Evolution of Design Anthropology in the USA
· Colonial Subjects/Objects of Design and Anthropology
· Critical Perspectives of Design Anthropology