Overview
Social Design is profoundly shaped by the evolving dynamics of society. Our understanding of the ‘social contract’ directly impacts the possibilities and roles of design. In recent decades, we have witnessed the beginnings of profound societal transformations — from increasing diversification and political polarization to climate adaptation, shifts in capital and privilege, and digitalization. As societies evolve, so must our practices, values, ethics, and methods.
How can we ensure that Social Design remains adaptable, reflexive, and accountable, and to whom? What and who should our practice focus on? What alliances should we forge? What imaginaries and frameworks should we adopt or challenge? And what new skills, literacies, and tools are needed to address these challenges in a meaningful, future-oriented way? At the Social Design Conference 2025, we will explore these and other urgent questions. We welcome a wide range of practice- and theory-based contributions, including but not limited to papers, visual essays, projects, workshops, and interventions.
