Theoretical Perspectives in Design

About the Course

This course introduces critical perspectives on technology and design, engaging with social theories to examine conventional narratives in technological systems. Through lectures, readings, discussions, and assignments, participants will learn to analyze how ideologies shape technology and its interconnections with society. The course outcome, apart from a series of assignments, is a reflective essay and a final project which connects theories to design practice.
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The course counts towards 6 credits in the ePGD programme in Interaction Design offered by IDC School of Design, IIT Bombay.

Who should attend?

This programme is for you if you are:

A postgraduate student in design interested in theoretical aspects of design.
A professional in a design-related field interested in analyzing the socio-cultural dimensions of technology and design.
Design Researcher or doctoral student conducting working on the aforementioned areas.
A faculty member involved/interested in teaching the aforementioned areas.

Goals and Outcomes

Intended outcomes of the course:

After attending the course, participants should be able to analyze socio-technological systems and designs through the lens of social theories, gauge their effects on society, and possibly apply these insights to propose inclusive and thoughtful design solutions.

Contents and Schedule

The table below shows the planned contents for the 6 day online course. The course can be conducted either as one full day (either Sat or Sun) or as two half days (both Sat & Sun) depending on the preference of the course participants. Participants should be comfortable reading theoretical texts, as the course involves extensive reading. They should also possess writing skills to effectively articulate their observations through reflective and analytical essays.

Week

Topics (Lectures)

Learning activities, assignments

Week 1

Introduction: Critiques of design thinking systems, Introduction to critical perspectives in technology and design

Reading exercises, group discussions. Assignment 1: Identifying/Engaging with Ideologies

Week 2

Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, and Power in Technology: Introduction to structuralism and post-structuralism, relationships and the roles of power and discourse in shaping technology.

Reading assignments, group discussions. Assignment 2: Structuralist/Post-structural analysis of technological products

Week 3

Discourse, Control, and Desire in Technological Systems: Introduction to theories of obedience and control in the digital age, technological systems shaping desires and reinforcing control. Ideas of hyperreality and simulation.

Reading assignments, Group discussion: Assignment 3: Discourse, Control and Desire in technological systems.

Week 4

Gender, Performativity, and Intersectionality: Introduction to gender theories within technological frames. Feminist perspectives on technology design and intersectionality, socio-cultural parameters in the design and use of technology.

Reading assignments, Group discussion: Assignment 4: Gender and inclusivity in design.

Week 5

Achievement, Burnout, and Technological Narratives: Social expectations of achievement and success in technological cultures, pressures contributing to burnout and stress. Theories related to the design of digital spaces.

Reading assignments, Group discussion: Assignment 5: Gender and inclusivity in design.

Week 6

Final Presentations, reflections and synthesis: Synthesize, reflections on relationships between theories and interaction design, and how they can inform practice.
Final project presentations (in-person in the IITB campus)

End-course exam (in-person in the IITB campus)

Course instructor(s)

Girish Dalvi

Eligibility Criteria

You have an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university in any of these disciplines: design, engineering, architecture, fine arts, applied arts, information architecture, ergonomics / human factors, writing and communication.
OR
You have any other undergraduate degree from a university recognised by IIT Bombay and if you have work experience in the industry of 3 years or more in any of these roles: user interface designer, user experience designer, web developer, information architect, graphic designer, visual designer, copywriter, product manager, brand manager.

Credits and Certification

Participants get 6 credits after passing this course which count towards the ePGD in Interaction Design from IIT Bombay. Please refer to the Credits / Certification section of the FAQs for more details.