Political By Design
Design is never neutral. It is a series of political choices visualised.
In Political By Design, Marco J. Versfeld explores the hidden biases within critical design theory, moving beyond the sterile confines of academic prose to deliver a narrative-driven investigation into the power dynamics of the industry. This is not a dry textbook; it is a fictionalised account grounded in rigorous fact and theory, designed for those who recognise that every line drawn and every interface built carries a political weight.
The narrative follows a journey through the evolution of design thinking-from the historical foundations of the Bauhaus to the modern complexities of technofeudalism. Through chapters such as 'Norman's Door', 'The Book Collector', and 'Failing Hegel 101', the work dismantles the idea that design is merely a problem-solving tool. Instead, it reveals design as a mechanism of influence, often carrying biases that the existing literature fails to address.
Inside Political By Design:
Critiquing the Canon: An examination of industry staples, from Donald Norman's user-centred design to the legacy of the Bauhaus, through a critical political lens.
Narrative Theory: Complex concepts of critical design and hegemony are explored through character-driven logic and dynamic storytelling, prioritising a natural voice over academic phrasing.
The Politics of the Everyday: A look at how 'uncorporate identity' and creative risk-taking intersect with political affiliation and social structures.
Fact-Based Fiction: While the story is fictional, the references are precise. The work includes comprehensive Endnotes and a Bibliography formatted according to the Chicago Manual of Style, citing sources ranging from Yanis Varoufakis to Hans M. Wingler.
Whether you are a graphic design student, a professional practitioner, or a theorist interested in the intersection of aesthetics and power, Political By Design offers a direct and unvarnished look at the responsibilities inherent in the act of creation.
About the Author Marco J. Versfeld is a designer and writer. Political By Design was developed as the primary body of work for his Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, seeking to bridge the gap between high-level theory and the lived experience of the designer.
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