A key idea in Victor Papanek’s design philosophy is that the people you’re designing for must be involved in the design process. He also argued that design can play a key part in excluding – or, conversely, in including – groups who are generally overlooked. This podcast from the 99% Invisible team offers a perfect illustration.
Most people don’t have to think twice about using a public toilet. But for transgender people or those with a disability it’s a very different story. Discover the history behind the design of today’s public restrooms and hear how the future of the inclusive toilet might look.
More Podcasts
A designers’ bible
This five-minute podcast offers a neat survey of Victor Papanek’s work. Alison J. Clarke, the exhibition’s co-curator, discusses Papanek’s life, his critique of American consumer culture and his social influence.
Women? No such thing.
Design for the Real World states that few professions are more harmful than that of industrial designer. This podcast makes the point painfully clear. Virtually everything around us has been designed with a man in mind. With fatal consequences for women.
Neutral is never neutral
Papanek called on designers to design for disabled people and to involve them in the design process. He also argued that designers need to be aware of the cultural context of their work. Annemiek van Boeijen designed a sports wheelchair and works in the field of ‘Culture Sensitive Design’ .
