Design Anthropology: Theory and Practice

Design is a key site of cultural production and change in contemporary society. Anthropologists have been involved in design projects for several decades but only recently a new field of inquiry has emerged which aims to integrate the strengths of design thinking and anthropological research.

This book is written by anthropologists who actively participate in the development of design anthropology. Comprising both cutting-edge explorations and theoretical reflections, it provides a much-needed introduction to the concepts, methods, practices and challenges of the new field. Design Anthropology moves from observation and interpretation to collaboration, intervention and co-creation. Its practitioners participate in multidisciplinary design teams working towards concrete solutions for problems that are sometimes ill-defined. The authors address the critical potential of design anthropology in a wide range of design activities across the globe and query the impact of design on the discipline of anthropology.

This volume will appeal to new and experienced practitioners in the field as well as to students of anthropology, innovation, science and technology studies, and a wide range of design studies focusing on user participation, innovation, and collaborative research.

Wendy Gunn is associate professor of design anthropology at Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark. She has published widely on the relation between design and anthropology and has extensive experience of collaborating with industry, companies and the public sector as an integral part of research and teaching.

Ton Otto is professor of anthropology at James Cook University, Australia and Aarhus University, Denmark. He has published widely on anthropological theory and ethnography and works with various visual media.

Rachel Charlotte Smith is an anthropologist working in the fields of media, technology and design at Aarhus University, Denmark.