Reflecting on the Role of Designers in Society

Abstract

This special issue of Temes de Disseny explores the ethical, theoretical and practical roles of designers in the 21st century, focusing on design justice, community engagement, digitalization, AI, healthcare and social justice. In today’s world, beset by multifaceted crises, these changes must trigger a reflection on the strategic direction of design practice to keep its social and economic importance in society relevant and productive. Increasingly, designers are focusing on social and ethical considerations, ensuring their processes and outcomes align with sustainability, well-being, privacy and broader societal impact. This shift has sparked a growing interest in examining the complex role of designers through various lenses. This issue of Temes de Disseny delves into these topics through original research papers, case studies and a provocation.