From Slow to Cruel Technology: Exploring metaphoric ways to understand Critical Design through theatre: Exploring metaphoric ways to understand Critical Design through theatre
Translated title
From Slow to Cruel Technology: Exploring metaphoric ways to understand Critical Design through theatre
Author
Mathiasen, Mikkel
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2023
Submitted on
2023-10-02
Pages
34
Abstract
This thesis explores how critical design can be understood and practiced through theatrical metaphors. Building on Dunne’s conception of critical design and Bardzell et al.’s call for more usable, method-oriented guidance, it aims to contribute a loose, practice-facing framework by connecting slow technology (Hallnäs & Redström) and ideas of estrangement with theatre theory. The work identifies limitations in Brenda Laurel’s dramatic metaphor for computer systems—especially its focus on optimization and usability—and proposes a synthesis with Artaud’s Theatre of Cruelty to foreground presence, liveness, sensory intensity, and critical reflection. Methodologically, the thesis is theoretical and synthesizing: it reviews key literature across design, art, and theatre studies, uses metaphors as analytical tools, and organizes concepts in a visual “Lotus” model to clarify relationships. The intended contribution is an alternative perspective that understands computers as situated, theatrical objects and motivates performative, collaborative, and improvisational methods (devised theatre) as suitable candidates for critical design. The excerpt presents no empirical studies or final findings; instead, it outlines the problem space, research questions, and expected theoretical framework that seeks to move from design philosophy toward actionable guidance for critical design practice.
Denne specialeafhandling undersøger, hvordan kritisk design kan forstås og praktiseres gennem teatermetaforer. Med udgangspunkt i Dunnes begreb om kritisk design og Bardzell m.fl.s efterlysning af mere anvendelige rammer, søger afhandlingen at bidrage med en løs, praksisnær tilgang ved at forbinde slow technology (Hallnäs & Redström) og idéer om fremmedgørelse med teaterteori. Arbejdet identificerer begrænsninger i Brenda Laurels dramametafor for computersystemer, især dens fokus på optimering og brugervenlighed, og foreslår i stedet en syntese med Artauds Teater om Grusomhed for at fremhæve nærvær, liveness, sanselig intensitet og kritisk refleksion. Metodisk er afhandlingen teoretisk og begrebssyntetiserende: den analyserer nøglelitteratur på tværs af design-, kunst- og teaterteori, anvender metaforer som analytiske redskaber, og organiserer begreberne i en visuel “Lotus”-model for at afklare forbindelserne. Målet er at formulere et alternativt perspektiv, hvor computere forstås som situationsbundne, teatrale objekter, og at motivere performative, kollektive og improvisatoriske metoder (devised theatre) som egnede til kritisk design. Uddraget indeholder ingen empiriske studier eller endelige resultater; det skitserer afhandlingens problemfelt, forskningsspørgsmål og den forventede teoretiske ramme, der søger at bevæge sig fra designfilosofi mod anvendelige retningslinjer for kritisk designpraksis.
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