Sensemaking about power in anti-oppressive design practice

Abstract

The concept of power can be an effective discursive tool to leverage when designing against oppression. While power is a critical concept in oppression, it is underdeveloped in most design methods and practices. This paper makes the case that designers interested in social justice can explore multiple dimensions of power to un-cover and redirect bias and inequities in both design processes and outcomes. I summarize the conceptual debates about definitions of power and empowerment and survey how designers are currently engaging with the concept. I then offer an anti-oppressive framework for sensemaking about power in professional and community-based contexts. Designers increasingly committing to social justice can utilize this framework to foster new forms of agency and empower people to mobilize and take action.