Tricky Design

This insightful exploration of design examines the moral complexities and cultural meanings of various objects, as seen in Tricky Design.

The book Tricky Design delves into the intricate relationship between design and its cultural implications, particularly focusing on the moral complexities that arise from various designed objects and systems. As scholarly interest in the cultural meanings of objects grows, this volume brings together prominent designers, scholars, and critics to examine how design can have unintended consequences, even when the intention is to serve the public good. Through a diverse array of examples, including firearms, eyewear, assisted suicide kits, anti-rape devices, passports, and prisons, the contributors highlight the dual nature of design—both progressive and problematic.

In the introduction, the editors draw parallels between the concept of the trickster found in anthropological literature and the multifaceted nature of design. They discuss how designed objects and systems can lead to both positive and negative ethical outcomes, emphasizing that the impact of design is often shaped by prevailing social norms and ideologies. This exploration of design's contradictory qualities invites readers to reflect on the ethical implications of their interactions with designed objects.

Tricky Design ultimately offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of material culture and design ethics, making a significant contribution to ongoing debates in the field. By examining the ambiguous nature of 'good design,' the book encourages a deeper understanding of the ethical dilemmas that accompany the creation and use of various designed artifacts.