Design Reviewed

Understanding the diverse — and at times contradictory — forms of design theories and practices, and developing an individual position toward them, requires intensive engagement and critical reflection. In the research project “Design rezensiert” (Design Reviewed), this process is pursued through the examination of both canonical and lesser-known scholarly literature. The project explores various sites and margins of design discourse, including connections to anthropology, sociology, popular culture, and the applied sciences.

Building on this foundation, participants engage in the practice of writing critical reviews. The process begins with a close reading of selected publications, focusing on the precise identification of their key arguments, theoretical approaches, methodologies, and conclusions. This leads to a deeper engagement with the issues and debates addressed in the texts. At the same time, the critical analysis of literature sharpens the ability to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of argumentative structures, thereby fostering the capacity to analyze and evaluate design-related, academic, and other forms of work in a differentiated manner.

By relating the reviewed works to other contributions within the field, the project generates a broader understanding of possible research contexts, connected discourses, and the resulting design perspectives and opportunities. Furthermore, it strengthens the ability to articulate complex ideas in a structured and precise way. The research project therefore serves not only to expand disciplinary knowledge, but also to develop expressive competence and critical thinking skills.

Project Group: Cindy Bournonville, Hannah Burkhardt, Emma Dabo, Anna-Christina Dritsos, Lilli Eckstein, Eva Eker, Kosmas Ftoulis, Davi Geis, Isabel Geier, Sofía Goubert, Moritz Hauenstein, Yuhan Hu, Gerrit Hülsmann, Constantin Menzel, David Paul, Marielle Rieger, Wolf Roters, Nicole Shiu Garcia, Anna Stashko, Albert Steiner, Johannes Tewelde, Viktoriia Viter, Adele Voss.

Supervision: Prof. Dr. Tom Bieling
Assistance + Layout: Susanne Wieland