This book is a deliberate provocation, designed to make you think. You will either embrace its message or reject it; there is no middle ground. It will challenge your assumptions, ignite your anger, and perhaps, instill in you a potent, even dangerous, sense of optimism. If you are a designer, be prepared for a dose of disappointment.
This is not a typical design book. It ventures far beyond the discipline's traditional boundaries, delving into the intricate connections between design, economics, sustainability, and ethics. It confronts the complex legacy of post-colonialism and challenges the myth of "neutral" design. This book does not offer easy answers or neat categorizations. Instead, it weaves together a complex tapestry of theories, case studies, and unresolved questions, mirroring the messy reality of the world we inhabit.
Consider this book a monster, pieced together from the remnants of other intellectual beasts. But this monster is an honest guide for navigating the complexities of our time, a companion for those who refuse to accept simplistic solutions. The author, a designer with over four decades of experience, presents a passionate and deeply researched argument.
Forget about finding a simple set of instructions or a step-by-step methodology. This book offers something far more valuable: a conceptual framework for ethical action in the world. Its ultimate goal is Eudomonia-the well-being of all living things. It provides not a set of universal rules, but a collection of concepts and tools that can be adapted and applied in various contexts.
The ideas presented here are the product of real-world observation, experimentation, and struggle. This is a book for practitioners, for those who create the artifacts and systems that shape our world. If you are looking for quick fixes, you will be sorely disappointed. But if you are ready to engage in the difficult work of systemic thinking and ethical practice, you may find this book provides you with a new and more stable foundation.
This book makes a powerful claim: competence without a conscience is vandalism, and conscience without competence is mere posturing. It demands both. So, come with an open mind, but also with a healthy dose of skepticism. Embrace your curiosity. The journey will be challenging, but the rewards will be immense.
