Anthropology is the study of humans past and present. Design is the skill of solving complex problems to create a better future. But can a discipline focused on the past/present merge with a discipline focused on the future? The answer is yes. Welcome to Design Anthropology 101.
Design anthropology converges two powerful fields that can push design beyond just “innovation”. In this talk, you’ll learn what design anthropology is and what it means for the future of design. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with a basic understanding of how to use ethnographic methodologies and collaboration to make products that push humanity forward.
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Amélie is a product designer at a small startup who combines her love for user experience and design anthropology to make great products. She made her first foray into design and development making Sailor Moon and DBZ websites. Don't be afraid to say hello (especially if you have food).
14. “…trying to figure out how to
understand people and how to
design products, communications,
and experiences in ways that
resonate with people.”
(practical definition.)
15. “…trying to understand how the
processes and artifacts of design
help define what it means to be
human.”
(theoretical definition.)
25. ANTHROPOLOGY
Gunn, Wendy. Design Anthropology: Theory and Practice (p. 2).
Bloomsbury Publishing. Kindle Edition.
“the comparative study of societies and cultures, based on
detailed empirical research in concrete social contexts.”
31. “The design process must integrate field-specific
knowledge with a larger understanding of the
human beings for whom design is made, the social
circumstances in which the act of design takes
place, and the human context in which designed
artifacts are used.”
Gunn, Wendy. Design Anthropology: Theory and Practice (p. 3).
Bloomsbury Publishing. Kindle Edition.
32. “The design process must integrate field-specific
knowledge with a larger understanding of the
human beings for whom design is made, the social
circumstances in which the act of design takes
place, and the human context in which designed
artifacts are used.”
Gunn, Wendy. Design Anthropology: Theory and Practice (p. 3).
Bloomsbury Publishing. Kindle Edition.
33. “The design process must integrate field-specific
knowledge with a larger understanding of the
human beings for whom design is made, the social
circumstances in which the act of design takes
place, and the human context in which designed
artifacts are used.”
Gunn, Wendy. Design Anthropology: Theory and Practice (p. 3).
Bloomsbury Publishing. Kindle Edition.
34. “The design process must integrate field-specific
knowledge with a larger understanding of the
human beings for whom design is made, the social
circumstances in which the act of design takes
place, and the human context in which designed
artifacts are used.”
Gunn, Wendy. Design Anthropology: Theory and Practice (p. 3).
Bloomsbury Publishing. Kindle Edition.