Prospecting a systemic design space for pandemic response

Abstract

Design literature describes an expansion of design activity towards systemic relations, the so-called fourth order of design. In this order, design is supposed to deal with sociotechnical controversies-public deliberations over technical and social relations that include multiple actors with conflicting interests. This research looks at the sociotechnical controversy around COVID-19 design responses to map the extent of said expansion through a hybrid method. The controversial design space mapping method included web pages on design projects aimed at the pandemic as a source of problems, solutions, actors, and interests. The results reveal that actors overlooked systemic relations, possibly due to neoliberal ideologies. Based on this informed speculation, the research provides recommendations to prospect a systemic design space for pandemic responses.